Second Class

If you haven't heard there has been a lot of controversy this week about an ad Focus on the Family has produced for the Super Bowl. The ad is a pro-life message featuring College Football Great, Tim Tebow and his mother.

If you don't know Tim Tebow you can google him and there will be no shortage of information available. In short, he is a two time NCAA National Football Champion and Heisman Award Winner. He is also considered to be a man of tremendous character and faith. He already has plagues dedicated to him on The University of Florida campus (These were produced in advance of his graduation). Some have argued that he may be the greatest college football player of all time.

The ad tells the story of how Tebow's mother suffered through a difficult pregnancy while carrying Tim. It was recommended that she get an abortion due to the difficulties she had encountered. Mrs. Tebow decided to stay the course, honor her faith, and her son's life. Through Tim Tebow's play as a football player, missionary work as a Christian, and leadership he has added much to the world already. It leaves the viewer thinking what could be loss when we abort children.

Lot's of liberal, pro-choice groups, such as National Organization of Women have come out against this ad and NBC. There have also been individuals that have spoken out against this ad citing the polarization of the message as inappropriate for the Super Bowl.

My wife stated, "How is it that it's OK to show half naked women,but it's not OK to talk about life?" Excellent question. There have been all types of commercials shown on Super Bowl Sunday. Some very racy and highly questionable for family viewing (the targeted audience of the Super Bowl). Yet, little protest or outcry. Where was the outrage from the Women's groups? After all, women were being displayed and used as objects to move product. Is that not a negative message?

More and more, Christians are being told not to speak by those that appose their message. People automatically jump to the cry for unity, question the appropriate nature of the venue, and treat our message as though it has no place in the public arena. We are not Second Class citizens! We are first class, equal, like anyone else in this nation or world. Our contributions to this country are well documented. We must stand for truth and for our right to speak that truth in love.