We’ve focused this week on words that rebuild.
Don’t know about you, but I’m grateful for the cheerleaders in my life, the folks who speak words of kindness and encouragement into my broken-down places.
In just a couple of weeks (June 20), more than 200 cyclists, walkers, and volunteers will gather for the FREEDOM TOUR CLASSIC. They show up for a variety of reasons, but they’re all cheerleaders. Everyone encourages each other, but mostly they’re cheering for the kids at the Home of Hope.
I’ll be honest – I get kind of emotional on the day of the ride. While most other folks scramble around taking care of last-minute details, I just sit back and imagine our 22 kids in the center of this huge circle of supporters. Kids who once were castoffs – imprisoned and hopeless – free, filled with hope, the center of attention.
Imagine that circle. Picture Jesus, high-fiving people and hugging the kids. It’s just a great big celebration!
On that day, at least, I can let go of my frustration about not being able to save EVERY child. I can feel Jesus saying, “Rich, do you have any idea how much every single one of those 22 kids means to me? Can you stop and think about what I sacrificed for them?”
For those few minutes, I remember he didn’t ask me to fix the world. He asked me to follow him. I remember that following means doing my best – and trusting him for the outcome.
While everyone else hustles to get everything going, I sort of sit with a smile and imagine a group of celestial cheerleaders. I suppose I should feel guilty.
I don’t.
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You can become one of our cheerleaders.
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