“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” – 1 Peter 2:16
Tonight, all across America, high school football stadiums will be filled with spectators, coaches leading their teams, and players giving it their all under the bright Friday night lights. Last Friday evening, however, was especially bright for our nation, as Coach Joe Kennedy once more took the field and was on the sideline at Bremerton High School in Washington state.
It has nearly been eight years since Coach Kennedy had been on the sidelines due to the Bremerton School District placing him on paid administrative leave in 2015. Coach Kennedy was punished by the School District for simply kneeling on the 50-yard line to pray after the games to thank God for the players he had the opportunity to coach.
After eventually being fired by the school district because of his refusal to stop praying silently at the 50-yard line after the games, Coach Kennedy decided to fight back in order to protect his religious freedom. First Liberty Institute filed a lawsuit on Coach Kennedy’s behalf against the Bremerton School District.
The case garnered national attention and ultimately made it all the way up to the United States Supreme Court. Praise be to God, in 2022, the High Court ruled that Coach Kennedy had a constitutional right to pray at the 50-yard line, thus, reaffirming, protecting, and fortifying our right to religious freedom as Americans.
Last Friday night, was the first time in eight years, following a Bremerton High School football game, that Coach Kennedy exercised his right to religious freedom and once again took a knee at the 50-yard line where he silently prayed and gave God thanks. The stadium is designed to hold around 500 spectators, however, over 10,000 people attended the game in order to celebrate and praise God with Coach Kennedy.
LET US PRAY…
Father, we praise You that Coach Kennedy once more has been able to exercise his right to religious freedom and publicly pray at the 50-yard line. Lord, thank You for the courage of Coach Kennedy and his desire to glorify You with his life. Father, help us to boldly live our lives publicly for Your glory as well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
