The Bulldog Nation Needs Prayer Today

It was a hollowed moment in my household last night in Warner Robins, Georgia. As many close friends and relatives as possible had gathered at our house to share with us on the special occasion. There were plenty of BBQ ribs, chicken, sliced pork, corn on the cob and all the trimmings to go around.

It was Georgia vs Tennessee. Prime time. ESPN.

As a card carrying member of the Bulldog Nation for 34 years now, this was not my first rodeo.

As I said grace over the food about an hour before game time wearing my Georgia red, I prayed that Coach Fulmer and all rocky toppers everywhere would be able to show grace in defeat. Always thinking about the other person. Learned that in Sunday School many years ago.

Our little doggie, Lucy, was ready and excited too. She was decked out for the game and could hardly wait for the game to begin.

At the same time, about 500 miles away in Jackson Tennessee, my niece (in law) and her husband had obviously gathered for the same event. Brad and Betsy Little are “rocky toppers” through and through.

I’m sure when Brad said grace over their moonshine he prayed that they would be able to handle the upcoming defeat with grace. There is no doubt they had plenty of food as they got ready for the big game.

Of course they didn’t have corn like we had. Corn won’t grow at all on rocky top, dirt’s too rocky by far. That’s why all the folks on rocky top get their corn from a jar.

I can picture the Little’s dressed in Fulmer orange as they gathered around their transistor radio for the big game. I can also imagine their little doggie, Paris, all decked out for the big game. In fact, I can more than imagine it.

Betsy was nice enough to email her favorite uncle a picture of her little Paris as soon as the game was over last night. I couldn’t believe she would do such a thing. I certainly have never sent her an email when Georgia beat Tennessee :-) But I have to forgive her, take my lumps and move on.

Coach Fulmer deserves all the respect in the world for the Tennessee victory last night. Of course he won't get it from a card carrying member of the Bulldog Nation.

But I’m sure he did find a computer last night and sent some emails out of his own.

Good ole’ rocky top. Rocky top Tennessee.

The Bulldog Nation needs prayer today.