A couple of weeks ago I wrote about the controversy surrounding the Scripture-themed banners Kountze High School cheerleaders were putting together for their school’s football games. Whatever inspirational value the banners had had at the beginning of the season was fading, at least in terms of inspiring the Kountze Lions to victory. The team was on a losing streak. It was time, I suggested tongue in cheek, that the cheerleaders put aside the feel-good New Testament passages they had been quoting and turned instead to the fear and wrath of the Old Testament to spark their team and save its season.
The season ended Friday with another Kountze loss. After starting the season with four wins, the Lions lost five of their final six games to finish 5-5 overall, 2-5 in district play.
This summer, a state district judge will decide whether the cheerleaders can display their biblical banners next season. Even if the judge says they can, here’s a suggestion for Kountze’s cheerleaders, sincerely offered. For the season’s first game, make a banner quoting Matthew 6:6: “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” For the rest of the season, return to the traditional “Sink the Pirates” or “Tame the Tigers.” Your banners can be fun and full of lower-case spirit, but they’re meaningless. Sorry, but the Lions will win or lose based on their talent, heart and coaching. God cannot be credited on blamed either way. He is best kept with you, not on some tasteless display on a football field. Consider this season a valuable lesson learned.