Do You Cheer for God?

Therefore, as it is written:

“Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 1:31

I'm a cheerleader from way back...officially, 8th grade, when I was elected to the squad at Stephenville Junior High, but unofficially, as far back as I can remember.

I come from a long line of sports fans, and even before I earned my first set of school poms, I spent hours — and I mean HOURS — on my trampoline in the backyard, making up chants and cheers, practicing jumps and flips, and dancing my little heart out. I was quite entertaining to the poor neighborhood, I'm sure.

Then I went and married a football coach, graduating to Cheerleader-For-Life!

To say I'm proud of my husband might be the world's greatest understatement.

The rest of the world looks at Philip's career and sees a win/loss percentage on a website. I see the obstacles, the challenges, the gut-punches, the resilience, the determination, the heart, the love, the innovation, the intellect, and the man who has accomplished so much more than anyone realizes or cares to know. I get to see behind the scenes, and that makes me feel something that goes far, far beyond pride.

I'm often tempted to shout what I know and what I feel from the highest seat in the stadium, for all the world to hear. You know, set the record straight. Wouldn't I just love to make sure everyone sees what I see and knows what I know...to ensure that they're judging him fairly and accurately and honestly?

But as I've spent the last month studying scripture I find relevant to our life as a college football family, today's verse reminds me there's a better way.

Who ya rootin' for?

I know the road Philip has traveled. I know the uphill battles, the ways the rug has been ripped out from under him at times, and his refusal to quit when the odds are stacked against us. God knows, too.

God put him on that road, specifically and for a reason. He guides us down the path, even when it's rocky, dark, or frightening. He's with us with each step of our journey. Every good thing that comes our way — and there have been wayyyy too many to count — is His blessing. And every hardship is a test we face with His presence. Never alone; always together.

Now, that is worth praising!

Lord, when I open my mouth to brag or boast about our accomplishments, our team, or my husband's coaching brilliance, please stop me. God, put this verse on my heart and my lips, so that my only chant is one of praise and thanksgiving for the gifts You bestow. And, please Jesus, remind me that everything ~ and everyone ~ else will speak for themselves through action and deed, and that YOURs is the only opinion that matters! In your name, amen.

With love and hugs,