Today is my first official day of fall break. I am spending the day lying on the couch, reading, and studying while football plays in the background. This is my kind of day, not leaving the house and wearing my running shorts and t-shirt all day.
My team, Alabama wins in a landslide that is boring to watch so I change channels and settle on the Tennessee game. Now that I live in Tennessee I figure I should at least show them some Saturday afternoon love. The game starts out boring with the Vols losing by a few touchdowns. However, the game quickly shifts as Orange gets on the stick. The crowd stirs; volume increases, and plays are made. The game gets interesting and I pay a little more attention. I watch as the whole demeanor of the Vols changes as the noise rises and excitement of crowd increases. Orange boys start jumping up and down after plays, fire stirs in their hearts and they are pumped.
It seems to me that the louder the crowd cheers, the better they play. The higher the chest bump, the greater the yards on the next play. The players are motivated by those around them and encouraged to fight harder for a few more yards. The tide turns, dream plays are made and the score climbs. I am now glued to the screen as the teams answer each other in points. This is a game worth watching.
This is my desire for our churches and ministries – to form a team. We are called “fight the good fight of faith” (2 Tim. 4:7) and we need each other to do this. We will all experience the back and forth drama of life – the fears, hurts, and doubts.
Each of us needs a group
to ignite us to carry on,
to incite a determination to not give up,
to inspire us to keep the faith.
We all need a cheering section. All of us long to know that we have friends on our side to carry us forward. Decide today to get in a group and find your team. Decide that your group will be a top priority in your life. Decide to stick it out and stand up for each other. Somedays you will be the cheerleader and some you will be cheered for. Today, it is time to join the team. Get in a group and get loud loving on each other.
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. “ Hebrews 10:24-25
BTW, as I am posting this the game is headed into overtime.
Kasey Lowery Ewing 