Category: Posts

Playing Fair

This past weekend, crowds thrilled to the U.S. Open women’s final tennis match between Serena Williams and Samantha Stosur. I am not much of a sports fan, and did not watch the match, but I did follow the front page teaser to the article about the match in the Sports section. There I read about the altercation which took place between Williams and the chair umpire. Evidently, Williams did not like a call made by the umpire and expressed herself in no uncertain terms. According to the paper, Williams’ informed the umpire, among other things, “You’re a hater, and you’re just unattractive inside. . . Really, don’t even look at me.” (Williams could, herself, take those words to heart.)

While I am not a sports fan, I have attended hundreds of soccer games in which my sons have played. Yes, there have been controversial calls from the referees from time to time, but generally, the games go well when the rules are fully enforced by the refs. Our son played in one game last year that ended in a brawl involving players and parents. I was not in attendance, but as my son explained, the ref was not calling anything: The pushing, the tripping, the pulling, etc. all went unchecked. One incident finally led players, and then parents, to take matters in hand. So, there was an out and out fist fight. When the rules are not enforced, things degenerate.

In reflecting on sporting events, I am thinking about how an umpire or referee is needed to enforce the rules to keep the game fair, to keep things civil, and to maintain order. Umpires and referees are needed for sports to be fair, entertaining, fun, and spirited.

So what keeps us on top of our game in life? What keeps us fair, honest, civil? What encourages us to be good and promote the good of others? What fosters positive interaction that does not degenerate into a power struggle or “might makes right”? I think religion should function in society like a referee. It should remind us of what is right and fair and good. It should hold us in check when our baser tendencies are surfacing. It should help us to see deeper truth about ourselves and our situation. It should help us make restitution when there is wrong to be redressed. Religion should bring out our best in a way that is not at the expense of others. So, here’s to church – as coach, referee, and umpire – to help us fulfill our highest potential in game of life!

A special service in honor of 9/11 (podcast)

9/11/2011
Rev. Kim Wells & Imam Wilmore Sadiki
A special service in honor of 9/11.

Imam Sadiki & Rev. Wells Imam Sadiki Imam Sadiki

Excerpts from the service:
(click the following links to listen)
Depending on its length, sometimes it takes a while for a podcast to load–especially today’s sermon which is a large file.

Imam Wilmore Sadiki has been a muslim for over 30 years, has served in the United States Navy as a jet mechanic and electronic specialist, had the opportunity to travel to 12 countries, China, Hong Kong, Taipei, Australia, Japan, Wake Island, Hawaii, Guam, Viet Nam, Cambodia, Thailand, and New Guinea. While working with Pratt and Whitney helped to develop the jt9d jet engine for the 747 commercial airliner, and has also worked for Progress Energy as a chief electrician for 20 years, and is now retired.

His schooling includes South Central Florida College, majoring in Psychology, Palm Beach Community college, studying bookkeeping, Browning Institute, studying Radio and Television Engineering, and has obtained his first class FCC license, Daytona Beach College studying Technology and Graduated From PTEC of Pinellas County with 3 types of technology certificates.

Imam Wilmore Sadiki has been Imam and President of St Petersburg Islamic Center for 9 years and is working hard to build lasting relationships with right minded people regardless of religion, race, or creed. He is on the religious coalition board at Eckerd College. He is a song writer, composer and artist, and has 4 CD’S on the market and does concerts all over the country. His music is in most Islamic schools all over the country.