The Damar Effect

For those of you who didn’t know this fun fact about me, I was born and raised for my first 12 years in Western New York.

I typically say Buffalo because it’s most commonly known, but I’m actually from a small town nearer to Niagara Falls (yes, the alleged “8th wonder of the world” Niagara Falls). The actual city, which my parents, little brothers, extended family, and I all call home is named Lockport. Feel free to look it up but don’t blink because yes, it’s that small, heehee.

In middle school my family moved from NY to North of Chicago, and in high school, we landed in heaven (a.k.a. here in San Diego). With some exceptions (college and traveling the country for a few years), I’ve lived very contentedly in Southern California ever since. Even more content in the winter when my family back in New York bares down yet again to survive another cold season - ugh. I’m getting chilly just thinking about it.

Being from a small town - where the weather is less than ideal a few too many months of the year - lends itself well to some things, though. For instance, we are all very passionate about our beloved Buffalo Bills. It’s a necessary, unifying, and entertaining distraction to get through those long winter months.

Growing up as I did in the 90s made it very difficult to survive both the weather and being a Bills fan, though. You may recall that the Bills went to four Super Bowls in a row… and lost.

Every. Single. One.

In fact, we used to say that the name Bills stood for, “Boy I Love Losing Super Bowls.”

Thankfully, the team has been doing much better as of late. And the other day, my family and I all gathered to watch the game together on January 2nd. However, the game took an unprecedented, terrifying turn when 24 year old Bills safety, Damar Hamlin, collapsed in the first quarter after making a tackle.

What started as a normal football game and typical family gathering all changed in an instant.

I’m sure you know the story, but if not, the basics are:

• Damar made a very typical tackle.
• He bounced up immediately but then fell over having gone into sudden cardiac arrest.
• He was miraculously revived after a grueling few minutes of CPR.
• Then, he was rushed to a hospital where it took days to answer everyone’s question…

Would he make it out alive?!

A very standard football game, meant to entertain and unite fans, had an extraordinary and extremely unexpected result: Terror. Fear. Pain.

Much like in our lives when the unexpected seems to slap us in the face out of nowhere.

• Maybe you’re chugging along in life feeling pretty healthy and BAM - a terrible health diagnosis brings you to your knees.
• Maybe you’re climbing that ladder at work and BAM - a new manager steps in and that raise and promotion you hoped for got thrown to the wayside.
• Maybe you’re feeling good about that relationship and BAM - breakup, infidelity, or loss comes your way and loneliness sets in.

You know what I’m talking about because we’ve all experienced it in some way.

But what took place during those few minutes post-Damar’s collapse (and what I pray you experience in your own life when hit with the unexpected and un-wished for!) was fascinating to witness. While we were thousands of miles away from Cincinnati where the game took place, it was as if everyone watching began breathing in unison.

Hoping in unison.

Feeling anxious in unison.

And, surprisingly enough - praying in unison.

Something shifted in a moment’s time amidst the unknown. And you know what I think that was?

God.

What appeared as a tragedy was an unexpected opportunity to see, feel, and witness God’s presence.

And you know the really cool thing? God’s energy, light, and presence is so natural that even those not actively in relationship with Him default to talking to Him at times like this.

Because what was the number one response of the players around Damar, the fans watching in-person or from home, and the anchors broadcasting the game?

Pray.

Pray for Damar.

Pray for his team.

Pray for the medical providers.

Pray for his family.

Pray.

Even atheists will naturally default to setting aside their unbelief in times of tragedy to pray.

And here’s the beautiful thing - what we see as terrible, God knows and is already working for His good.

What looked as if it was only a life-changing tragedy became, for most, a moment to stop and recognize God. And, God showed up on that football field, in those stands, in the TV studios, and in every household watching from afar.

Just like in your own life, what can appear as only an undesired game-changer - a negative, unexpected event with your health, your job, your relationships - can also be an invitation to recognize God’s presence.

The question is, are you walking in a daily rhythm with Him so that when, not if, tragedies occur, you’re ready to respond in prayer?

There have been some beautiful outpourings of faith being expressed as a result of Damar’s near death experience. While our family continues to keep his healing closely in prayer, it’s been super encouraging to see public prayer from newscasters, all over social media, and even from our President.

In light of Damar’s recent life-changing injury and the collective prayerful response made by so many, my hope for you today is that you find a renewed strength in any situation life offers you (good, bad, and the ugly unexpected) to

“...pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests”

- Ephesians 6:18

And, as always, we are praying for you - both when times are good and when times are unexpectedly slapping you in the face.

Love you friends!

Kyle Moss

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