Redeeming a Broken Dream: The Oakland Raiders Are Determined to Claim Victory

A Senior Oakland Raider shares a symbol of revival

Some things are beautiful even when they are broken. A young student waited after class to speak with me. She complimented the cross around my neck. I explained to her that a senior Oakland Raider gave me the cross and placed it around my neck.

It was to symbolize our constant and regular thoughts for the renewal and revival of the current Oakland Raiders. The senior Oakland Raider desires that the Oakland Raiders will rise up, again, in the NFL.

Seeing power and beauty in imperfections

I was surprised that the student saw beauty in a broken symbol. Yet, somehow, it was a sign that although there may not be a perfect situation, there can still be beauty.

The persistence in wearing the broken cross is but a symbol of the persistence the Oakland Raiders, and the Raider Nation have in pursuing victory.

The student had a discerning spirit. She continued by saying, "I knew that cross means something to you. It is broken, yet you continue to boldly display it around your neck."

She was right. Over the years many of us who are mothers, grandmothers and just plain people have learned that out of our brokenness can come a greatness.

Out of our pain, can come creativity. Out of our infirmities can come the power to strive for excellence and victory, even if we are plagued by thorns in our lives.

Passion driven by compassion

The young Oakland Raiders must be driven by a passion for victory that represents their love for something beyond themselves. They are playing ball for the downtrodden. Their victories will be a symbol that those who have fallen down can work hard and rise up, again.

Their victories must symbolize healing and restoration. They must be driven to encourage the specially-abled person. They must win to symbolize that all of us can win, once we find our niche and work hard to ascend and win as we pursue our goals in life.

Again, the young Raiders must play ball and win to symbolize the struggle of the elderly who once were vibrant and strong, and now through the vicarious experiences of watching the Oakland Raiders win, they, too, win, again, in spirit.

I am among many who want the Oakland Raiders to defeat the New England Patriots. Why? I want to honor the accomplishment and illustrious career of Mr. Al Davis in his prime for he has touched so many and helped so many find their place in NFL history. One person is and was my friend. He is the senior Oakland Raider who draped the broken cross around my neck.

We believe the Oakland Raiders can begin to win again and again. We believe the time is right. Just win, baby?

When must the winning begin? NOW.