Shocked!

I am absolutely shocked by the way people are treating Joel Northrup. In case you haven't been near a TV, a radio, or on the internet today. He is the sophomore from Lin-Mar who opted to default his first-round match rather than wrestle a girl in the Iowa State High School Wrestling Tournament.

I applaud him for taking a stand, standing firm in his faith, and making this decision even though he may have given up a state wrestling title because of it...and is now facing national media attention.

Just from my limited exposure on Face Book, I think I'm in the MINORITY when I say I am impressed by what he did!??!?! Really????

I don't have time to list my reasons why I believe he made the correct choice, but read this blog post.

Here is the statement the young man released to the press:
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for [Cassy] and [Ottumwa's Megan Black, the other state qualifier] and their accomplishments. However, wrestling is a combat sport and it can get violent at times. As a matter of conscience and my faith, I do not believe that is appropriate for a boy to engage a girl in this manner. It is unfortunate that I have been placed in a situation not seen in most other High School sports in Iowa.”

I doubt many young people today even have convictions, let alone be willing to defend them in such a public arena.

Here is another good story.


****I just found THIS!!! Reassuring to know that I'm in good company with my opinion!****

In my opinion, he is a shining star in a crooked and depraved generation.

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe”
Philippians 2: 14-15