It must have happened when I wasn’t looking. Surely I would have noticed-But I didn’t-until Friday.

When did America earn the right to garner more respect than the God of the Universe?

I was overcome with respect and gratitude this past Friday as together the ACU community and many visitors honored each branch of the military and the service personnel who are part of ACU. I was overwhelmed to listen and watch as the crowd responded to Rodney Johnson’s harmonica renditions of our Alma Mater and God Bless America. And I was proud, since both of my parents are Army veterans.

What surprised me was an unexpected observation. It came during the national anthem. From my vantage point on the floor of Moody Coliseum, I could see almost every part of the crowd, and this crowd was into the national anthem. Every person I could see was into the moment, standing out of respect (or habit, I’m aware) and singing. The in-between moments of song phrases that we all are so familiar with in Chapel- those ones where you often hear the sounds of people talking- were silent. There was a reverent spirit throughout the crowd. It was quite a moment. This crowd loved America and seemed committed to the words they were singing, with hand over heart.

And in that moment, it hit me. I have rarely seen the crowd in Moody Coliseum so united, so respectful, so “into it” quiet during a Chapel moment. We often have a great spirit and great participation in Chapel, don’t get me wrong. But this was different.

This was the kind of disciplined yet heartfelt response that at first really confused me-How did this happen? What could possibly have created that kind of desired response, and how can we make that happen more often in daily Chapel?

Sadly, I thought of one answer. I fear that many in our culture have more of a disciplined and heartfelt response to the familiar sports event, with its regular national anthem ceremony and expectations, than the same crowd has for the God of the Universe who delights in us as we meet Him for daily Chapel.

For regular Chapel-goers, then, I ask- When did America earn the right to garner more respect than the God of the Universe? How does your participation in Chapel reflect the respect and gratitude that He is due? It seems something may have happened to us when we weren’t looking.

Jan Meyer

ACU staff member