Cheering from the Balcony

Last Wednesday night, I had the joy (and holy privilege!) of sharing a message with over fifty beautiful women in our Bible study group about being Balcony Women — those who cheer others on, lift them higher, and speak life when the world shouts criticism.

You could feel the encouragement in the air — the kind that fills a room with laughter, nodding heads, and a few tearful smiles. We talked about balcony people, those who stand above the chaos, calling out the good in others, and basement people, who drag others down with negativity. Let’s just say, by the end of the night, we all agreed: we’re moving upstairs!

I shared stories from my own life — my daughter’s Post-It notes that declared “Expect a Miracle!” during tough financial days, and the Starbucks chat where my granddaughter, Alexia, longed for love.

Her loving Tawn Tawn (former Miss America, Shawntel Smith Wuerch -- my bonus daughter) encouraged her with Scripture — and wouldn’t you know, God had the perfect plan brewing. That girl’s now living her answered prayer, married to a godly man we all adore.

We also looked at the encouragers of Scripture — Jeremiah, Paul, and Solomon — who all understood that weary hearts need a kind word, a prayer, a friend. God designed us for this! As women, we were built with helper hearts and balcony spirits.

Our evening ended in the most beautiful way. We gathered in one big, loving circle to thank God for our leader, Anita McGinnis — a true balcony woman who week after week strengthens and uplifts us all. Tears flowed, laughter bubbled, and faith rose higher.

Here’s what I learned (again): the world doesn’t need perfect women. It needs present women. Women who show up, speak life, and refuse to stay in the basement of discouragement.

So, friends (men included) let’s keep climbing those balcony stairs. There’s a great view from up here — and someone below needs to hear you shouting, “You’ve got this!”

Be balcony people -- the kind who lifts, cheers, and speaks life. The world has enough critics. Let’s be encouragers!

#BalconyWomen #BalconyMen #FaithInAction