Who Ya' Rootin' For?

"No one is ordinary, and everyone deserves a standing ovation every once in a while." 

- the movie Wonder

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

-1 Thessalonians 5:11

It is a unique time in history when one can quickly identify a person's opinions, on any topic, with the click of a computer mouse.  In a matter of seconds, I know what football team a person supports, what college football team he/she does not support, his/her political opinions and feelings about what happened in the world only five seconds ago.  However, it is much harder to discern who we are cheering for "behind the scenes" when no one is looking.  I am learning those fragile moments matter, and they have the power to reshape others.  They also have the power to reshape us.  As one raises his/her pom-poms to the heavens, he/she becomes the blessed one.

On my different trips to Auburn, Alabama, one particular hotel has become my favorite.  It is there I met a precious employee whom I have grown to love.  When Taylor was sick with the flu her first semester at Auburn, this beautiful soul sat with me, visited with me and insisted on making a special breakfast for Taylor each morning.  That week, I left the dining area everyday with a box of warm food for my girl.  Over the past year and 1/2, I have prayed this woman's husband through a difficult surgery and encouraged her to take the big step of going back to school.  I am cheering for her every step of this new journey, and my soul rejoices at her success!

Within the Feed Our Kids ministry at our church, I have had the pleasure of working with 2 incredible high school students who are brothers.  In today's world, we don't always describe teenagers as "incredible."  They will graduate with both high school diplomas and associate degrees.  Their plans for the future, despite the hardships they have endured along the way, overwhelm my soul.  I am rooting for them, and their presence in my life blesses me beyond measure.

In my Bible study group at church, we continue to lift up one of our own currently undergoing cancer treatment.  Not a day goes by that our brave warrior doesn't hear from one of us.  We are loving her through this.  We are praying her through this, and our Texas-size hallelujahs will echo throughout heaven when the treatments cease.  We are cheering for her, and her strong spirit inspires us daily.

Were you planning to spend time scrolling on social media today?  Scroll with a purpose.  Identify who needs a cheerleader.  Reach out to them in an "old-fashioned" way.  Mail a card.  Make a phone call.  Set aside time this week to see them.  Celebrate this glorious opportunity God has given you to be a cheerleader.  Wait expectantly to be blessed.  Amen.