Star Spangled Bummer

On tap to sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl was Christina Aguilera.  While waiting for the game to begin I listened as she sang our nation’s hymn.  I was not paying too much attention, but I did do a double take as I wondered if she made a mistake during her rendition.

The next day on all the sports shows, news shows, and the internet she was being criticized for making a mistake and fouling up the lyrics.  Some commentators mercilessly belittled her for not being prepared and ready to perform.  I do not know much about Christina Aguilera, but I do know that in today’s culture it is virtually impossible to go unnoticed.  With the 24 news cycle, the internet, and cell phones everywhere,  one cannot get away with making a mistake anymore without  being criticized. 

Ms. Aguilera made a mistake. we should forgive and move on.  I am sure she does not feel good about what happened.   Matthew 18: 21-22 declares: 

²¹At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?”

 ²²Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.

In simple terms Christina messed up, and we should forgive and move on.  Jesus also said: “He who is without sin cast the first stone.”  If you are perfect go ahead and judge.  I have always found this interesting about human nature.  If we mess up, out come the excuses: ” I am only human, I made a mistake, I am not machine, etc…”  If some one offends us we do not offer the offending party the grace and mercy we want for ourselves.  The next time someone offends us, or messes up around us let us forgive and move on. 

A few years ago at a professional basketball game, a young girl named Natalie Gilbert froze and forgot the words to the National Anthem at a Portland Trailblazers game.  Instead of boos and criticism from the crowd she received cheers.  Then the head coach of the team Maurice Cheeks came and stood  beside her.  He began to sing with her and she finished the song strongly.  Let us be people of grace and mercy instead of judgement and criticism