The morning sun dimly lit the flagpole outside the entrance of the school on Sept. 24; a sauna of humidity set the tone. As students trickled into school, a handful flocked out. Huddled in a circle, some with arms around their peers, others in personal thought– they stood concentrated in prayer. Hand in hand, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes prayed for themselves, each other, and their country.
The FCA blends religion with sports, looking to strengthen the relationship of athletes and coaches to God, spread gospel, and generate faith. Annually on the 3rd Wednesday of September, the FCA participates in “See You at the Pole,“ started by a group of Texas teenagers looking to pray for their communities. Since then, the tradition has spread country-wide.
“I was excited to see the amount of kids that showed up, and was humbled and honored to foster a space where they could pray,” FCA Lead Sponsor Kovach said.
No longer in the generic class room or stadium settings, praying around the flagpole can ignite a sense of transparency in someone’s character– even with external pressure looming in their mind.
“People kinda sitting you on a higher pedestal, since you’re a part of this faith you should do this right you should do that right,” powerlifter Timothy WIlliams said. “It doesn’t make me feel like I have to prepare to show myself to others. Because I admit that I’m not perfect, so I don’t feel I need to be something I’m not. I feel like I can go up to the flag, and not put on a false persona, but rather be myself and pray for others.”
Worshipping at the flag also serves as an opportunity to stretch holy requests further than individual people, and call upon God to tend to their country’s needs.
North Houston region representative for the FCA Scott Davis, who traditionally prays at the Magnolia Highschool flagpole said, “There’s a humility about praying to the god of the universe who created everything, and asking him to work on behalf of our land.”
For some students, showcasing their beliefs challenges them to stay confident in their identity. The FCA presents itself as a guardian against insecurity by fueling a connection between members.
“Now in days everybody cares about what other people say and they change themselves for it. I’m praying that I can be myself and not be scared to show who I really am,” soccer player Genesis Lopez-Cruz said. “We were all united as a family.
