It’s a good thing I don’t live in Oklahoma City.

Last week a five year old kindergartner was forced to turn his shirt inside out while at school. The reason…are you ready…it was a University of Michigan shirt. That’s right. The city school system enacted rules in 2005 restricting clothing after receiving suggestions from a gang task force. All non-Oklahoma college dress is banned. It’s ok to wear a shirt proclaiming support for the Oklahoma Sooners or the Oklahoma State Cowboys…but no schools outside the state. The ban on non-Oklahoma clothing falls directly in between gang symbol haircuts and “satanic cult dress, witchcraft and related symbols.” In response to the controversy, the superintendent is investigating to see if the rule is outdated. Really! He needs to investigate? WOW!

But my purpose in this blog is not to talk about the silly rules some administrator wrote in Oklahoma City. I mention this story because on Sunday, September 2 I want everyone at First Baptist to wear clothing that declares something you’re proud of and support enthusiastically.

No…the idea didn’t come to us after reading this story. We’ve been planning this for months. September 2 is our annual REFRESH service and picnic. Sunday School is canceled that day and we’ll gather for one big combined worship service at 10:00 AM during which we will celebrate God’s blessings and cast vision for the future. Then we’ll enjoy a picnic, tailgating and games.

I’m going to preach wearing a shirt bragging on my UK Wildcats and their national championship in basketball. You can brag on your favorite team, player, cause or whatever you choose. You can wear a shirt with your grandchildren’s picture on it or one proclaiming a favorite Bible verse. Perhaps you’ll wear a patriotic shirt. Just be proud and show it.

I’ll tell you why I’m asking you to do this on September 2.

Pastor Steve Hogg