04/26/2026
The ministry lesson I'll never forget!
The ESPN Sports Center video below is from the Nov. 30, 2001 Florida-Tennessee football game in Gainesville, Fl. It was posted on the Volnation page this morning. That game was as exciting as any game I've ever seen. But the reason I'll never forget it is how I got to attend the game in the first place.
My mother died on Nov. 4, 2001. My friend, AF Col. Cameron Gunnin, was then the College and Career pastor at First Baptist, Gainesville. We had only recently met at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now called Palmer Theological Seminary.) We were both in the D.Min. Marriage and Family program there.
Before she died, my mother was in the old Shands hospital in Gainesville. Cameron was there to offer support. After my mother's death, Cameron called to say he had 2 tickets to the Florida-Tennessee game in Gainesville. Though an avid Vol fan, I'd never been to a game in person before. Due to the September 11 attacks, the game that year had been moved from the customary 2nd Saturday in September to the end of November.
Cameron's tickets were in the Florida student section. I distinctly remember the shirtless frat boys in front of me. They were lined up so that their chests spelled out "GATORS." I was directly behind Mr. T. Every Gator first down was met with gestures imitating the officials. I did the same for every Vol first down. Travis Stephens rolled up over 200 yards. I grew more excited with each first down and Mr. T. became more and more deflated.
Eventually, the see-saw game came down to an attempted 2-point conversion. It failed when John Finlayson showed up big and batted it down. I had the privilege of meeting John recently at the celebration of life service for the son of our best friends in Selmer, Tennessee. John showed up there, too. Showing up matters in life and it matters especially when those we love are experiencing life's hard places.
Tennessee winning in Gainesville ... against "the ole ball coach" was an incredible and unforgettable experience for me. I'll never forget that game. I'll never forget the GATOR frat boys. I'll never forget the drive home in our white Honda with the orange and white T flags flying. And I'll never forget the kindness of my friend, Cameron.
Do you know someone who is grieving? Reach out. "Let me know if you need anything" is well-meaning, I'm sure. Better to think of something that needs doing and do it. Show up.
https://www.volnation.com/forum/threads/sportscenter-2021-after-tennessee-florida.382860/
Cool clip. Things have changed a bit in the last 25 years.
