Cam Newton's response during yesterday's press conference has caused a media firestorm. When Charlotte Observer's beat reporter, Jourdan Rodrigue, asked him if he's enjoyed seeing wide receiver, Devin Funchess, embrace the physicality of the routes he's been running, he said, "It's funny to hear a female talk about routes like—it's funny.''
Many people have come to the defense of Rodrigue, and are criticizing Newton for making a demeaning comment to a woman reporter just doing her job. His laughing while answering her question hasn't been well received.
Unfortunately, this is another situation where division is created and personal biases are revealed. Instead of both men and women media members being considered "the media" (without separating or qualifying), Cam made a distinction between them.
When we consider that Cam Newton is among African-American quarterbacks who have had to overcome biases of their own, we can see that quarterbacks need to be viewed as quarterbacks - not differentiated because of color.
The reality is, we have prejudice swirling all around us, and instead of placing value on uniqueness within gender, race, and even age, we end up disrespecting one another.
We don't know Cam Newton’s heart, and what his intentions were in making these comments, but let's make sure we look in the mirror and address our own narrowmindedness first.
As followers of Jesus, we must be mindful that He died for all of our sins, despite our unworthiness. Regardless of our race, gender, status, job, background, or any other qualifier, we are all invited to be One with God. When we receive the free gift of salvation He offers, we become united with Him and each other.
Paul explains in Galatians 3:26-28 (AMP), "For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
"For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ .
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus ."
Today, as we hear about the distinctions between male and female media members, or black and white quarterbacks, let’s remain joyful that when it comes to being children of God...we’re all one in Christ Jesus.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that You would reveal any negative thoughts I have toward those who are different than me. I pray I would recognize the Oneness I have with other members of Your family and seek unity. For those who don't know You yet, I pray for patience and grace as I look for common ground with them. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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