Ozmint SS Lesson Grief

Statement

Good Morning Everyone,

I will begin by addressing the elephant in the room. Our Community, Our School, Our Church, and especially this class has been through a lot this week. Coach Ozmint has been accused of some pretty serious stuff. This morning, I will not speculate on the validity of these accusations, as there is still an ongoing investigation to determine that. Either way, Coach has formally resigned.

You may be wondering how that will affect you. Well, In reference to the school, I’m honestly not sure. However, In reference to our College Ministry and our High Schoolers, I am here. I am here to lead this group. I am here as a resource. I am here as a listening ear.

We may not want to admit it, but many of us are currently grieving. I’m not a counselor, and i’m not gonna try to be. But I do want you to be prepared and to have something to think about.

There are 5 stages of grief

denial

anger

bargaining

depression

acceptance

The main three that i’m concerned with are denial, anger, and depression.

This is gonna be something that takes a long time to process. Each one of us will do it at a different speed.

As i’m sure many of you have seen, or have even thought yourselves. Jesus’ Church has also been targeted through this. Non-Christians are taking this as an opportunity to call out Christianity as a religion of Hypocrites. The Problem with that is that we already believe that to be true. That’s why we’re here. Each one of us know that we’re broken and in need of help. To be honest, they’re not my primary concern. You are. Those of you who have been in close proximity to Coach Oz, and look to Him as a model of Christianity. The enemy will plant seeds of doubt into your mind connected to anything He ever taught you. You may start doubting the things He taught you about life, and about Faith.

Several Years ago, I had a friend reach out to me. He was preaching for the first time and was nervous. We talked about different Approaches and how to prepare. He told me that He had a quote that He wanted to use. It was a great quote! Accurate, Applicable, and Engaging. But the person who had said it had a very public moral failure near the end of His life. He had done so much for the Kingdom of God, but had messed up near the finish line.

My Question for you is,

should all of the people who became Christians because of his books, sermons, or influence doubt that they were saved?

Should all of the churches that were started because of people who heard God’s calling be closed?

Should all of the impact be considered failure?

We must call Sin, Sin. In every circumstance. However, the answers to these questions is undoubtedly, no.

So Hear me now. Do not allow the enemy to use this as a doorway into your heart and mind. God is Good, and His Mercies endure forever. He is our ever present Help in times of trouble.

Know that I love you, that we love you, and we’ll make it through this together.

Anyone have any questions, or comments they’d like to share?