During a recent conversation with a sweet friend, I was reminded of just how blessed I am to have been raised by a loving and encouraging mother and father. My parents were and still are my biggest supporters. It is tough to listen to others share about childhoods that left them with scars either, mentally or physically. I wish everyone was raised with the love and encouragement I received. I have not been able to shake that conversation and my thoughts surrounding it, so here I am to write. 🙂 Sometimes, I get ideas for a post and I will second guess myself, but God has a way of encouraging me and providing signs of confirmation. So, this is me, trying to be obedient!
This blog is a place for me to share what is on my heart. As I stated in my introduction, this blog will continue to grow, as I continue to grow. It will not be perfect, I will make mistakes, it may not even make sense at times, but since my first post, I have had a lot of positive feedback and encouragement to keep writing. So today, I want to talk about cheerleaders! Yes, you read that correctly. Cheerleaders.
When I hear the word cheerleader, I automatically flash back to middle school. I remember attending auditions for the cheer leading team. I had so much fun, felt I did really well, and just knew I was going to make the team. To this day, I can still perform one of the tryout cheers! Wouldn’t you all like to see a video of that cheer?!?! Well, cut to the day they post who made the team. I scanned the names and quickly realized I wasn’t listed. I was upset of course, but I eventually overcame that let down. In a way, I try to be a cheerleader everyday. I enjoy building others up, making them smile, and boosting their spirits.
My husband and I have season tickets for our local MLS football club. Our seats are near the supporter section and it is electric! You can feel the excitement and love pouring from the stands. When the team is doing well, that section is cheering! Guess what? When the team is not doing well, that section is still cheering! They are continuing to show support, love, and confidence in their team. Don’t we all need a supporter section? As much as I love encouraging others, I also appreciate the reassurance I receive from my friends and family. I have learned to surround myself with people who lift me up instead of tear me down. That hasn’t always been the case, and that might not be the case for you.
Maybe you are caught in a situation that is toxic, but you do not view yourself as worthy of anything better. I can assure you friend, no matter your circumstances or transgressions, you have value. Your life is just as precious as anyone else, and God loves you unconditionally. Seek out your cheerleaders. If you do not have any, hold auditions! Open your eyes and hearts to those that are trying to help and have your best interest at heart.
Maybe you are doing alright in life, tooting along happy and healthy. If so, keep your eyes open to those that need your encouragement. You don’t have to don a skirt and poms poms to be a cheerleader to others (whew!). We can look at Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians and see he addresses this very issue. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 states, ” Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (ESV) Words of affirmation may not be one of your love languages, and that is ok. However, I implore you to find opportunities to practice.
Finally, I feel it necessary to add my own words of caution when it comes to encouraging others. Have you ever shouted so loud at a sporting event or concert that you lost your voice? You were so caught up in cheering your favorite team or band on, that you didn’t realize the harm you were causing yourself? There is nothing wrong with wanting to build others up, but make sure to pause every now and then to assess your mental and physical state. If you need to sit on the bench for a minute and take a sip of water, do it! I have personally felt depleted from carrying others’ burdens before, and I had to take a break. My breaks don’t mean that I want that person to fail, or don’t care for their circumstance. My breaks simply mean that I need to refresh and reboot before I attempt that tumbling pass! On the flip side, if you have a friend or family member who is a constant support and you notice she has been a little quite, check in on her. She may need a spotter!
Praying My Way Through Each Day 