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When the scoreboard at Aberdeen High School’s football field fell into disrepair, a few alumni – who just happen to play in the NFL – stepped forward to save the day. They wrote a big check and gave it to the school…along with one condition.
But the cash-strapped school called an audible at the line of scrimmage.
Aberdeen High School is located in the Baltimore area, and like many other schools around our nation, has a proud tradition of football, and rightly so. Brothers E.J. and Erin Henderson attended the school when they were teenagers, and now play for the Minnesota Vikings.
During the 2011 football season, when the scoreboard at the high school field ceased to function, the Henderson brothers donated $20,000 of the needed $50,000 for the renovation. The two brothers only made one request: put their family name on the scoreboard.
That request was a huge problem for local educators. Teri Kranefeld, a spokeswoman for the schools, said, “The Harford County Board of Education rejected the scoreboard installation proposal based on the current advertising policy parameters.”
In other words, the school wasn’t allowed to put personal names on public property.
Now, the Hendersons, who gave less than half of the total cash needed for repairs, want their money back. “It’s like a slap in the face, honestly,” explained Erin Henderson, who also said the scoreboard renovation was the first of many the brothers were willing to make on behalf of the school…but not anymore.
Look, a gift is a gift. Or at least, it a gift should be a gift. Gifts shouldn’t come with attachments…especially attachments that smack of pride. Gifts should be given quietly and humbly. At least, that’s what Jesus said.
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:3-4)
The standard Jesus had for giving to others doesn’t allow us to (literally) put our name in lights.
I wonder what will happen when the school approaches the other set of famous brothers who just so happened to have attended Aberdeen High School: Billy Ripken and Cal Ripken, Jr.
Click here for the online report.
Topics Illustrated Include:
Arrogance
Athlete
Football
Gifts
Giving
Greed
Humility
Money
Name
Pride
School
Sports
(Resource cataloged by David R Smith)
