Being a Go-Get-'Em Cheerleader

I know my children and grands would tell you I’m a pretty good cheerleader. I purpose to be their #1 Fan and supporter. It’s a built-in power-pack that comes with the full-package deal we parents and grandparents come equipped with. God placed it in all of us. Not for just our own family, but all who are in our sphere of influence.

I’ve cheered for my kids on at sports events, talent contests and sales competitions. I’ve cheered for them in their academics and in their faith. I’ve cheered them through decision-making times and when life gave them some pretty rough seasons. I know that my encouragement has helped them push through their pain, anxiety, and determination to finish strong.

That's a beautiful picture of what we can do for our children as they embark on the great race of life. I know that’s why I’m here in this season of my life as an encourager aka cheerleader. I want my voice in print and in real shouts of praise to be echoing in my family, and in yours. I want to be a pumping courage and confidence into my children's hearts and yours. I know that an encouraging word, offered at the right moment, may make the difference between my children and you finishing well or collapsing along the way.

Sincerely, whether we are speaking affirming and encouraging words to our children and grands or speaking optimistic and uplifting words to everyone around us, we can be assured that what we are saying has the potential to change the course of someone's day, even their life.

I’m so grateful that we were THAT optimistic, faith-building, “go-get-‘em” kind-of-parents. It served us well and it served our family well because today I see my children cheering and encouraging their children I smile from ear-to-ear when I see my grands hearing and heeding their parents' advice and now embarking on their careers, their sports and their dreams.

We all should be those kind-of-cheerleaders who shout and cheer with phrases like: “You're gonna' make it!” “You can do it!” “I believe in you!” “You are special!” “You have what it takes!” “You're perfect just the way you are.”

My children are all grown up now, but I still purpose daily to speak or type/write a positive word to my four adult children. I want to continue to be a spark that ignites a great passion in their lives. I’m a cheerleading mom and grandmom and I want to "prophesy" success and blessings as they become the best people they can be!

And hey! I want to also speak good things to you and yours, my friends. That’s what this daily blog is all about. I want my light to shine into all those heart crevices to help you see what God sees in you. You are God's beloved child and you are worthy of being praised, encouraged and supported as you run your race. Live with knowing that God is with you, cheering you on to your Finish Line. Run strong. Finish strong. And, pass it along!

Be the Cheerleader in Someone’s Life

Cheerleader -- an enthusiastic and vocal supporter of a team or person.

My son’s 50th marathon at 50 years old was everything we (his cheering squad AND for Ryan) had hoped and prayed it would be. He succeeded in accomplishing yet another big life goal. We were all decked out in shirts that showed our “Team Ryan” spirit. “2018 50th at 50”, with the back saying “Wuerch 50”. The night before, we were celebrating the big feat he would accomplish. We were all on tap for the 6:30 am start yesterday morning. The atmosphere was electric with the enthusiasm and spirit of all who were supporting the OKC Memorial of the 1995 bombing victims and families. As “Team Ryan”, we watched him take off at the start and then we’d drive to various points throughout the course to meet up with him to cheer him on. At the Finish Line, we had great places to stand and the announcer came up and asked about our runner. Ryan’s boys and two of his friends ran the last mile with him, and the rest of us were invited to run in with him through the Finish Line. The Announcer gave plenty of crowd encouragement to cheer us all on. It was certainly a grand way to celebrate as a family and friends.

On being cheerleaders in someone’s life…..did you know that we can operate in God-given ability to bring heaven to earth and create environments of love, hope, faith, and good CHEER in our world that sure could use some cheerleaders in it? I loved hearing the story about a woman who gets up on a chair in her home to cheer and celebrate her husband. Now, that’s cheering at its best.

It's our choice to be encouragers, supporters, strengtheners and cheerleaders to people in our lives. Chances are good that you have a cheerleader or two in your corner. There is someone or a group of someones who root for you when you apply to school, start a business, get promoted, win at a sport, perform at an event, or RUN a MARATHON. Those people are valuable to you because they confirm the best thoughts you have about yourself - thoughts that say you're capable, you're worthy, you're up to the challenge, and that you'll do just fine.

And I’ll bet you are someone's cheerleader, too. Cheering for our family should be by default. You root hard for your spouse or your siblings or your children and friends. You support them and champion what they want to do.

Who, then, can you cheer for? Who on your team or in your office needs a cheerleader, who may not have the support you have? Maybe it’s time we all get on our BEST cheerleading abilities by cheering for them AND cheering for the un-cheered-for. This is the task of a leader. Literally, the word leader is a part of cheerleader. Who will you root for today and tomorrow?

Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up."