March 11

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Have no fear, the vaccine is here Students discuss getting the COVID-19 vaccine to do your part to help stem the pandemic,” Reed said.

Mayor Will Joyce of Stillwater has been excited for the phase to move quickly.

Jared A’Latorre Joyce said that Get ready folks, now is the time to take the vaccines a ‘movin. advantage of the opporPhase Three of tunity to receive vacthe vaccine distribution cinations. process in Oklahoma “I hope the sumbegan on Tuesday mer in Stillwater will morning. be close to normal, and This phase incertainly by next fall, cludes 2.5 million with students coming Oklahomans across back and all the excitethe state such as edument around a new cational settings, like semester and all the students in preschool fun fall things that we through 12th grade, do here in Stillwater, daycares, early childI’m really hopeful that hood facilities, collewe’ll be able to do that giate universities and pretty close to the way other post-secondary we’ve done it in the facilities. past,” Joyce said.

Deputy ComJunior Chloe Robmissioner Keith Reed inson is pumped to get pleaded with the public back to normal, not just that now is the real for herself but for the chance to end this rest of the country. nightmare.

“I’m so excited, I “Now is the time think that’s just going

to get back to normal, and I’m so in support of it,” Robinson said. “I think that the vaccine will really help and just get us back into normal life and just being able to get back into

the community which I think we really need and we really miss out on a lot.”

While Robinson’s grandparents have gotten the vaccine, she wants to let time run

the course and wait slightly longer.

John Ward, a computer science major, talked about his See Fear on pg. 2

Monroe: The Dog Named After OSU

Orr and her beloved goldendoodle, Monroe.

Bryanna Nickel Brooke Orr, a physiology junior, adopted a spunky goldendoodle in quarantine as the Spring 2020 semester came to a close.

Orr said that she’s not really an animal person, but

when she saw this special puppy, she knew that they were meant for each other.

“I knew from the moment I saw her that we were meant for each other from the way she ran straight to me through the crowd,” Orr said. “She was a little blonde bundle of sunshine.”

Orr knew that she wanted to name her new puppy after something related to OSU. She said that she decided to name her Monroe, after Monroe St., because of the fact that

Photo provided by Brooke Orr

it runs through the middle of campus and its special meaning to Orr. “I love walking down Monroe Street on my way to class and seeing the liveliness of Oklahoma State and running into friends as we all go our separate ways-each on a journey of our own,” Orr said.

Orr’s favorite memory ironically includes Monroe getting lost one morning.

“After walking around and screaming her name like a crazy person, I found

her playing basketball with a group of college boys,” Orr said.

Orr said that she giggled in her morning slippers, as she figured Monroe must think that she’s the next Air Bud. Orr also said that she is told by others that if she were a dog, she would be Monroe because of their many similar personality traits: a chaotic energy, a love for people and a passion for adventure.

“Monroe happily plays with anyone and any dog she meets. She’s truly never met a stranger,” Orr said.

“Monroe isn’t quite a year old yet, so she still has her puppy energy and spunk that I love.”

When Monroe isn’t with Orr, she enjoys spending time with Orr’s roommate Reilly. Orr also said that the two have an indescribable bond. Reilly enjoys giving Monroe treats, buying Monroe new toys and even training Monroe-- she is in the process of teaching Monroe how to roll over.

“Reilly treats her as if she is our third roommate,” Orr said. “Every morning when I leave for class, I let Monroe in Reilly’s room so they can have their morning cuddles.”

Orr feels lucky to have a roommate that welcomes Monroe and loves her just as much as she does.

Orr loves and is very proud of Monroe because of her loving, energetic personality-- now everyone knows about the spunky goldendoodle that is named after Monroe St. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Page 2 Thursday, March 11, 2021

News

Fear Continued from pg. 1 personal thoughts about the vaccine and how fewer restrictions would help the public eye more.

“I feel like it will help open up campus,” Ward said.

Ashley Bruner was asked how she felt about the state moving into phase three.

She immediately said, “sounds great.”

As university students are in the midst of their golden years, or for anybody for that matter, Bruner said that we shouldn’t panic because everybody will be OK, eventually.

“Being scared of it is not the solution, I think taking smart and logical steps towards going back to normal will be the solution,” Bruner said.

With the sporting events still continuing at limited capacity, Bruner said she’s been in attendance at nearly all the home football games but

has been taking the precautions she needs.

With her family, Bruner has had family members get the vaccine with no negative side effects.

“If I were offered it, I probably would get it because I do get the flu shot and things like that, so, for me personally it makes sense, I know not for everyone, but I think I probably will get it,” Bruner said.

Dalton Graybeal knows people who have gotten the vaccine, but knowing his age and his risk, he doesn’t feel too worried.

“If there’s a giant spike in overall deaths, I would be more inclined to do it, but looking at the statistics, a one-third of 1% of mortality rate for anyone between 18 and 40, so I like my chances of not getting sick,” Graybeal said.

Graybeal pointed out that people should stay safe but still maintain their rights as citizens.

“I think the current climate we’re in now is not sustainable in terms of the expectations of us sacrificing some freedoms for security,” Graybeal said.

“I’m glad to see us go back toward freedom, really.”

Emory Meursing thinks that the vaccine is great but especially for stu-

Kayla Ballero

dents in clubs, like fraternities and sororities.

Meursing is also a gamer, which has changed his abilities to interact since the pandemic.

“With the return of (events), I’m able to interact with my peers some more,” Meursing said. “It’d be a lot of fun to see all of them again, however, I can still do all of my stuff digitally, so regardless it doesn’t really affect me either way.”

Junior James Gibson didn’t feel as bothered with public events then or now.

“Honestly, I was comfortable with it either way, most people who are attending those events are younger and the side effects and the effects of COVID are less for people who are younger anyways,” Gibson said. news.ed@ocolly.com

News Candidate QnA Jack A. Edwards / Alex Bias What is the main goal of your platform?

“Our platform is RISE, which stands for Resources, Inclusiveness, Stability, and Engagement. We will provide relevant resources that are inclusive of all students and stable enough to be long lasting, but this only works if we can increase student engagement so you know how to access them. Our number one goal is to make sure that all students have access to the opportunities the Student Government Association provides by prioritizing informing all students about SGA. We believe the way to do this is by displaying information in a more up-to-date and organized way on CampusLink and the SGA website, transitioning back to in-person events with virtual options, and encouraging SGA leaders to be more connected with the greater student population.”

portunity to immediately establish a strong relationship with the new incoming President, allowing SGA to better implement policies that will benefit students in ways that matter. We will use this same approach when establishing stronger relationships with other student-led organizations, including college Student Councils and The O’Colly.”

Why should students vote for you?

“Our platform is truly the students’ platform. We have and will continue to adapt our platform to fit student needs. We will prioritize making SGA an organization that serves all students, and not just itself. This requires a complete cultural shift within SGA, and we believe we are the ones to lead this change.

We will reach out to students and organizations directly to make sure there is clear comWhat is the first thing munication about what we can you hope to accomplish do for you and what you need assuming you win the elec- from us. We are going to work tion? more closely with administra“Seeing as Burns Hargis tive faculty to ensure the SGA is stepping down this year, policies that you want are folwe see this as a prime oplowed through on.”

Candidate QnA Jadyn Powell / Dara Evans What is the main goal of your platform?

“Our platform is built on the pillars of Advocacy, Accessibility and Accountability.

We want to be advocates for underrepresented communities, amplifying their voices and creating resources, opportunities and spaces for them to be heard. Those resources and opportunities will be made accessible for both academic success but more importantly, for basic needs, afterall, you are a human first, a student second.

Finally, we hope to hold not only ourselves, but also the University accountable for following through on promises and resources being made.

We want to ensure that we, both Student Government and Administration, are having a constant conversation with the Student Body by keeping a direct line of communication open for students to voice their ideas. We are firm believers in the philosophy of “your voice, our action” and we hope to exhibit that during our administration.”

should be able to be a part of the conversation and no one should feel excluded from OSU events or education. Especially with the mass movement towards online programming, it has been isolating for those within the hard of hearing and deaf community to not have full access to many of OSU’s video programming, whether that be class or event.

We will be able to provide internship or service credit for those who wish to create the captions for videos.”

Why should students vote for you?

“Students should vote for us because with us it will always be an open conversation. We want to talk with you and hear your ideas and thoughts. We truly believe in being servant leaders, we are here to serve and listen to the students - there’s a reason it’s called Student Body President! We are not in every single group, every single organization, every single community and that’s why we love talking and hearing from you the students. Every stuWhat is the first thing dent on this campus deserves you hope to accomplish to be heard, and more than assuming you win the elec- that we want every student tion? to know that we can and will “The first thing that we take action to guarantee to want to do if we win the elec- make sure that every commution is provide closed-caption- nity is advocated for, that all ing on all OSU videos and to resources will be accessible, provide translators at every and that the students can hold OSU event. Every student us accountable to doing so.”

Page 4 Thursday, March 11, 2021

sports

Weather check

Vanderbilt baseball series could be in jeopardy Chris Becker After a long wait, No. 2 Vanderbilt is scheduled to come to Stillwater this weekend for a high stakes matchup.

However, the weather forecast may have other plans.

The series is supposed to take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday, all three days are forecasted to have high chances of rain. According to the Weather Channel each day has at least a 70% chance of rain, with the highest being Friday night with a 79% chance of storms.

“It’s the one thing I have no answer for,” coach Josh Holliday said.

“We want to play, and we’re really going to try and play. We’ll look for whatever window that will allow us to play. I wish I had a better answer other than hopefully the weather changes.”

There have not been any talks about how late the games could be pushed or the possibility of a Sunday double-header. Holliday said he plans to call Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin Wednesday to discuss possible options.

“I got a feeling if baseball wants to be played this weekend, we’ll get a break each day to play,” Holliday said. “I’m just going to remain optimistic, I’ll deal with the reality shortly. If we can move some games, that’s what we’ll try to do.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Joshua Cleary

Page 6 Thursday, March 11, 2021

sports

Exceeding Expectations Dean Ruhl Mike Boynton alluded to this being his make-or-break year in March of 2020.

The Cowboys had just finished another season. Another season without a NCAA tournament appearance. Another season that some felt was a let-down.

He questioned the security of his job.

“Who has a job that over time, you can’t meet expectations and keep it?” Boynton said. “I tell our players that all the time. You don’t get to keep your job if you don’t do well at it.”

There was a bright light approaching.

Cade Cunningham, the nation’s top-recruit.

A bright light that was almost extinguished before the Cowboys touched hardwood this season.

In June of 2020, OSU was hit with a one-year postseason ban, because of the Lamont Evans scandal.

A ban that many thought would see Cade Cunningham’s exodus from Stillwater before he had dribbled a ball in Gallagher Iba Arena.

But Cunningham showed up. He stuck to his word and donned the orange and black uniforms.

Cunningham’s arrival was a shining positive in a sea of negatives.

Bryce Williams, the only senior on the team, was moving from Oxford, Mississippi to Stillwater after transferring out of Ole Miss.

Graduate transfer Ferron

of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards.

However, the biggest change came from the evolution of the sophomores.

Kalib Boone became a reliable option on both ends of the floor. His field goal percentage leads the team “Honestly, it’s just me playing hard,” Boone said.

“These last few games, my success under the basket is just me playing hard and putting myself in a position to rebound.”

Avery Anderson became a consistent scoring option. His career-high 31 points against West Virginia on Saturday showed he could handle a big role on this team.

Freshmen Rondel Walker and Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe proved they could play in big time moments throughout the season by performing when they were called on.

A season that began lookOSU Athletics ing shallow, with a young team, Kalib Boone dunks during Oklahoma State’s game against Texas Tech in with little experience and no Gallagher-Iba Arena on Feb. 22, 2021. eligibility to make the NCAA tournament, finished with Flavors Jr. was doing the same preseason rankings were remomentum and promise to do thing, leaving Cal Baptist to leased, the Cowboys were damage in March. join the Cowboys. picked seventh.

“Whatever we need to do The two oldest players on What did they do? to get the win for the team, the team had combined for a They exceeded expectathat’s what I’m going to do,” total of zero career minutes tions.

Anderson said. played wearing a Cowboys The Cowboys finished The narrative of this team uniform. the season 18-7 overall, 11-7 in has changed.

What was once Outside of Isaac Likekele the Big 12, placing fifth in the and Dee Mitchell, everyone left conference, and ranked No. 12 Cade Cunningham with some other players, has become a on the roster was either a fresh- in the country. national threat. man or a sophomore.

They defeated seven OSU has become a team A young team, no postranked opponents, had a season that analysts have turned their season eligibility and a coach sweep of Oklahoma and beat under mounting pressure the each team in the Big 12 at least attention toward the past few scene was set for a mediocre once, except TCU and Baylor. weeks, a team thought to be season.

Who was behind this suc- a dark horse in March and a team that has exceeded all exOSU appealed their post- cess? season ban, allowing them to Cade Cunningham played pectations placed on them.

“We’ve always prided ourcompete in the NCAA Tourna- a big role. He led the team in selves in getting better over the ment if the case was still pend- points per game with 19.7 and course of the season,” Boynton ing in March, giving the Cow- was second in rebounds (6.3) said. boys motivation. and assists (3.5). His perforWhen the Big 12 coaches mance won him Big 12 Player sports.ed@ocolly.com

GOOD MONEY

New Donors Earn Up to

$

A LITTLE TIME

s

$10 BToHnu WI D THIS A

A GREAT CAUSE

DON’T STUMBLE! (Part #1) “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

(Mt. 11:6) The words “fall away” are sometimes translated “offended” or “stumble.” Let me paraphrase; blessed is the man who does not stumble, get offended, or fall away because of the way I do things.

This is Jesus’ answer to a question from John the Baptist. Are you the one who should come or do we look for another? John was now in prison. He is the one who baptized Jesus and said “Behold the lamb of God.” John is the one who had given witness who Jesus was. Now John is asking, “Do we look for another?” John believed the messiah was coming, but in coming he expected him to come in a different way than Jesus came. It is so easy to stumble at God’s ways,

because his ways are not ours Notice Paul’s quotation from Isaiah: “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that make them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” (Is.8:14, 28:16 NIV) The Jewish leaders stumbled at Christ’s first coming because he did not come as they expected. They expected a conquering king, but he came as a servant in doing God’s will. (Phil.2:8) Peter almost stumbled and was very upset when Jesus began to tell his disciples what was going to happen to him: he was going to suffer.

“Never, Lord!” Peter said. He did not understand God’s plan!

Let’s be people of prayer and humility. Be open to God’s clear guidance in our lives!

FOR RELEASE MARCH 11, 2021

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Business Squares

Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy!

Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Shop located on 128 N. Main

Business Squares

Needing to play a sport? Get a TEAM together and Play SASA Adult League. Deadline March 1st for Volleyball. Deadline March 12th for Softball.

Try Firo Pizza’s New Roman Style Pizza! The fastest drive-thru, authentic style-pizza offered in the US! Get a free drink with any Roman Style Pizza!

Church Meetings Join the New Covenant Fellowship for service every Sunday at 10am and share in our passion for Jesus Christ!”

UKirk university group at First Presbyterian Church meets every week! Join us for Bible study every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.! For more information or for Zoom access, visit us at stillwaterfpc.com Join us every Sunday for our live streaming services!

Matins @ 8:50am and Divine Liturgy @ 10:00am.”

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis ACROSS 1 John follower 5 Whack, biblically 10 Behold, to Cicero 14 Young Adult novel

by Carl Hiaasen about an owl habitat 15 Wore 16 Devise, with “up” 17 Blue-green 19 Garage occupant 20 Meeting of powerful nations 22 One looking at a lot of tickets “Blimey!”

25 School contest 27 2016 US Open champ Wawrinka 31 Possessive pronoun 33 Landlocked Asian country 35 Native Nebraskan concoction 43 Spotted 44 Breeze (through) 45 Vegas rollers 47 Ping-Pong table need 49 Messy one 52 Braying beast 55 Trig. function 59 Team at a drug bust 64 Green on a weather map 65 Largest portion “Homeland” 69 “Solutions and Other Problems” writer Brosh 70 Wheelhouse 71 Retreat 72 Blind parts 73 Old autocrat DOWN 1 “Got it!”

By Craig Stowe

3/11/21

3 Compassionate but strict approach 4 Put on 5 Carpet type 6 “All Rise” actress Helgenberger 7 “Got it” 8 Island kingdom whose capital is 9 “Romanian Rhapsodies” composer 10 Answer to the riddle “What cheese is made backward?”

11 Roomba pickup 12 Term of affection 13 Gush on stage 18 Diamond VIPs 21 Freedom, in Swahili 22 Chi.-based flier 23 Some Balkans

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

©2021 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

36 Sermon subject 38 Curved sabers 41 Jersey type 42 “On the Floor” singer 46 Put away

29 Quads on roads 30 Breakout stars? 50 Makes illegal 32 Surprise attack hometown 34 Cinematographer 53 Do lutzes, say Nykvist

3/11/21

54 Vaudeville fare 56 Ability 58 Percussion pair repertoire 61 Beverage nut 62 Make mittens, say 63 Exploits 66 Irish actor Stephen 67 Mr. Potato Head piece

Daily Horoscope Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes (TNS) Today’s Birthday (03/11/21). Imagine and envision perfection this year.

Disciplined planning and preparation can realize your wildest dreams.

Manage career tangles this spring, before home and family delights light up the summer. Clarifying misunderstandings patiently next winter allows for a professional growth spurt. Articulate and share your vision.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Review priorities. Some worries are well founded. Avoid travel, noise or crowds. Find a peaceful spot for contemplation. Visualize perfection and make plans.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Take advantage of a brilliant idea with your team. Discuss, coordinate and sort resources. Wait for developments. Diplomacy works better than force. Determine who does what.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Focus on practical priorities at work. Monitor conditions with a professional challenge. Don’t force things. Wait and prepare. You’re making a good impression.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — A barrier still blocks the road.

Adapt your educational exploration to current conditions. Discoveries and revelations abound. Patient, gentle connection can open doors.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Maintain a philosophical attitude about money. Revise plans and budgets for unforeseen expenses with

Level 1

2

3

4

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Have extra patience with could run high. Listen to intuition. Share compassion. Romance could spark, too.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Focus on your work, health and energy. Slow around sharp corners. Patiently navigate obstacles or roadblocks. Don’t push into a brick wall. Nurture yourself.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Enjoy the game without taking expensive risks. Relax and wait, rather than pressing for something that’s not ready to happen. Savor beauty and delicious fun.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Home improvement has your attention. Fix something before it breaks. Clean messes. Make upgrades for family support. Patience serves you well. Savor simple pleasures.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Your creativity is on the push if the timing isn’t right. Listening goes farther than speaking.

-

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Pursue a personal passion.

Hold your temper, despite complications, interruption or chaos. Pamper yourself with small luxuries. Enjoy familiar favorite rituals. You’re growing stronger.

3/11/21 Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

Page 6 Thursday, March 11, 2021

sports

Exceeding Expectations Dean Ruhl Mike Boynton alluded to this being his make-or-break year in March of 2020.

The Cowboys had just finished another season. Another season without a NCAA tournament appearance. Another season that some felt was a let-down.

He questioned the security of his job.

“Who has a job that over time, you can’t meet expectations and keep it?” Boynton said. “I tell our players that all the time. You don’t get to keep your job if you don’t do well at it.”

There was a bright light approaching.

Cade Cunningham, the nation’s top-recruit.

A bright light that was almost extinguished before the Cowboys touched hardwood this season.

In June of 2020, OSU was hit with a one-year postseason ban, because of the Lamont Evans scandal.

A ban that many thought would see Cade Cunningham’s exodus from Stillwater before he had dribbled a ball in Gallagher Iba Arena.

But Cunningham showed up. He stuck to his word and donned the orange and black uniforms.

Cunningham’s arrival was a shining positive in a sea of negatives.

Bryce Williams, the only senior on the team, was moving from Oxford, Mississippi to Stillwater after transferring out of Ole Miss.

Graduate transfer Ferron

of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards.

However, the biggest change came from the evolution of the sophomores.

Kalib Boone became a reliable option on both ends of the floor. His field goal percentage leads the team “Honestly, it’s just me playing hard,” Boone said.

“These last few games, my success under the basket is just me playing hard and putting myself in a position to rebound.”

Avery Anderson became a consistent scoring option. His career-high 31 points against West Virginia on Saturday showed he could handle a big role on this team.

Freshmen Rondel Walker and Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe proved they could play in big time moments throughout the season by performing when they were called on.

A season that began lookOSU Athletics ing shallow, with a young team, Kalib Boone dunks during Oklahoma State’s game against Texas Tech in with little experience and no Gallagher-Iba Arena on Feb. 22, 2021. eligibility to make the NCAA tournament, finished with Flavors Jr. was doing the same preseason rankings were remomentum and promise to do thing, leaving Cal Baptist to leased, the Cowboys were damage in March. join the Cowboys. picked seventh.

“Whatever we need to do The two oldest players on What did they do? to get the win for the team, the team had combined for a They exceeded expectathat’s what I’m going to do,” total of zero career minutes tions.

Anderson said. played wearing a Cowboys The Cowboys finished The narrative of this team uniform. the season 18-7 overall, 11-7 in has changed.

What was once Outside of Isaac Likekele the Big 12, placing fifth in the and Dee Mitchell, everyone left conference, and ranked No. 12 Cade Cunningham with some other players, has become a on the roster was either a fresh- in the country. national threat. man or a sophomore.

They defeated seven OSU has become a team A young team, no postranked opponents, had a season that analysts have turned their season eligibility and a coach sweep of Oklahoma and beat under mounting pressure the each team in the Big 12 at least attention toward the past few scene was set for a mediocre once, except TCU and Baylor. weeks, a team thought to be season.

Who was behind this suc- a dark horse in March and a team that has exceeded all exOSU appealed their post- cess? season ban, allowing them to Cade Cunningham played pectations placed on them.

“We’ve always prided ourcompete in the NCAA Tourna- a big role. He led the team in selves in getting better over the ment if the case was still pend- points per game with 19.7 and course of the season,” Boynton ing in March, giving the Cow- was second in rebounds (6.3) said. boys motivation. and assists (3.5). His perforWhen the Big 12 coaches mance won him Big 12 Player sports.ed@ocolly.com

GOOD MONEY

New Donors Earn Up to

$

A LITTLE TIME

s

$10 BToHnu WI D THIS A

A GREAT CAUSE

DON’T STUMBLE! (Part #1) “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

(Mt. 11:6) The words “fall away” are sometimes translated “offended” or “stumble.” Let me paraphrase; blessed is the man who does not stumble, get offended, or fall away because of the way I do things.

This is Jesus’ answer to a question from John the Baptist. Are you the one who should come or do we look for another? John was now in prison. He is the one who baptized Jesus and said “Behold the lamb of God.” John is the one who had given witness who Jesus was. Now John is asking, “Do we look for another?” John believed the messiah was coming, but in coming he expected him to come in a different way than Jesus came. It is so easy to stumble at God’s ways,

because his ways are not ours Notice Paul’s quotation from Isaiah: “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that make them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” (Is.8:14, 28:16 NIV) The Jewish leaders stumbled at Christ’s first coming because he did not come as they expected. They expected a conquering king, but he came as a servant in doing God’s will. (Phil.2:8) Peter almost stumbled and was very upset when Jesus began to tell his disciples what was going to happen to him: he was going to suffer.

“Never, Lord!” Peter said. He did not understand God’s plan!

Let’s be people of prayer and humility. Be open to God’s clear guidance in our lives!