“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
Damar Hamlin is a football player for the Buffalo Bills. For the past week he has been in the prayer of so many people around the world. It was on Monday Night Football that Damar Hamlin suffered a major medical event when he experienced cardiac arrest. The world watched as he received CPR and an AED was used on him, right in the middle of the field. Damar was placed in an ambulance and driven to the hospital in Cincinnati, where the Monday game was being played. Damar’s family, teammates, and all who were watching wondered if he would live. Thankfully, this past week has been filled with good news about Damar’s recovery. He is doing well and making a strong recovery. Thanks be to God.
Football is a violent sport. However, this past week has shown that many of the men and women who are part of the National Football League are good and generous people. One such person is Harrison Phillips. Harrison Phillips is a defensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings. He played with Damar Hamlin last season in Buffalo. When he heard the news about Damar’s collapse on Monday Night, he immediately jumped into action. Harrison began reaching out to former teammates, Damar’s family, and anyone who could provide him with information about Damar’s health.
Harrison Phillips is a person who always wants to help. He connected with Damar because they both wanted to use their status as professional football players to make a difference. While in Buffalo together, the two often worked together on raising money for their respective charities. Harrison could not just sit around and wait for news. He reached out to a member of the Buffalo Bills training staff, who helped him contact a nurse in the Cincinnati ICU. Harrison could not help with the medical emergency, but he knew he could for the people who were caring for Damar. He asked the nurse about local restaurants that delivered to the hospital. She shared a few places that were close.
By the next day, Harrison Phillips had ordered enough food to feed the doctors, nurses, staff of the ICU, the Buffalo Bills staff that had stayed behind in Cincinnati, and all of Damar’s family. He also set up dinner for the next day. When Harrison was interviewed by local media he said, “I just wanted to provide food, so they didn’t have to worry about any of that.” It was a thoughtful gesture that cared for so many people.
Sadly, unexpected events happen in all our lives. How we respond is up to us. Harrison Phillips responded out of love and a desire to help. Feeding so many people took some effort, but it made a difference. When those at the hospital ate the food, they not only received nourishment, but they also were reminded that someone cared for them and was supportive of their work. Our tangible acts of love, no matter how big or small, make a difference.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
