Happy Friday, Friends!
I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama!
Last Friday night my family and I went to watch the Rocket City Trash Pandas play. We had a blast! I love going to the ballpark, hanging out, visiting, and just watching baseball. So blessed!
After I believe it was the 3rd inning, the grounds crew came out to smooth the infield. As soon as they came out, a lady right in front of us stood up and started clapping. She stood and clapped the entire time they were on the field – it was probably 3 – 4 minutes – and then yelled words of encouragement as they left the field. After the 6th inning or so she stood up and started clapping again as the grounds crew once again took the field. I reached over, tapped her on the shoulder, and then asked her which one was her son. While continuing to clap, she told me which one was her son. And as before, as they left the field, she shouted words of encouragement.
It was really sweet to witness, and it was a great reminder…we all need a champion. How awesome is it that no matter the age, his mom showed up to cheer for him? We all want that for ourselves, we all need to do that for others.
On May 3, 2013, Rita Pierson gave a Ted Talk titled, Every kid needs a champion. You can find it by googling the title. It is only 7 minutes and 48 seconds long and it is well worth watching. At the end of the talk she says, “Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them. Who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” True, inspiring, and so powerful!
The only thing I would respectfully correct is, “Everyone deserves a champion.” This includes you and me. Let’s just for a moment, break down what she said.
Never give up on them – Isn’t that what we all want? Someone who will never give up on us. We ALL have failing moments…what if there was ALWAYS someone there who picked us up and encouraged us on our journey’s? What if we never gave up on another? How different would life be?
Who understands the power of connection – this is all about relationships. Ms. Pierson started off the whole Ted Talk by talking about the importance of relationships. What if we showed up every day, regardless of how we felt, and genuinely valued and appreciated the people we have in our lives? What if we really listened to their thoughts, cares, concerns, hopes, goals, and dreams? What if we valued the relationship we have with them, and invested in it tirelessly, regardless of the situation, circumstance, or outcome?
Insists that they become the best that they can possibly be – encouraging, empowering, and equipping them to fulfill their potential in all aspects of their lives. What if we really did that instead of focusing on the failing moment or where they currently are in their journey? What if we looked for, and spoke life into, the potential that we see, regardless of whether they see it or not?
We all need a champion. We all have moments where we grow tired and weary. We all have moments when things aren’t going our way. We all have seasons where we are going on and on and nothing seems to be happening – champions are really important in those seasons of life!
There are two things I want to encourage each one
of us to do today:
First, be someone’s champion. It might be a spouse, child, friend, or co-worker. Be there for them through all seasons of life – never give up on them, focus on developing the relationship, and insist that they become the best that they can possibly be.
Second, find your champion. Perhaps you already have one…good for you! If not, look at the people in your life. Have an open, honest conversation with one that you would like to be your champion. Ask them to play a more active role in your life – give them permission to walk your journey with you.
This world is full of critics, please don’t be one. We gain nothing by tearing another person down, while the world gains all the gifts and abilities of the person who relentlessly pursues their potential. Please never forget, for good or bad, you will influence every person you interact with on a daily basis.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.
Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, please
cherish your precious families, and please stay well!
Kev
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