“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
Hebrews 10:24 NIV
Growing up, there were a few times I remember wanting to be a cheerleader or to try out for the drill team. Based on what I had seen about teenagers on TV and movies, cheerleading looked like fun. You got to wear cute outfits and the boys gave you attention. LOL.
When I got to high school though, I never did try out for cheerleading or the drill team. I had other interests and pursed those instead.
Today I’m a 36-year-old married mom, still with many other interests. But I decided just last week to officially become a cheerleader.
No, I’m not going to don bloomers and pom poms at sporting events. But I’m going to use every opportunity I have to cheer others on in their pursuits—even and especially others who are working toward the same things I am, like writing and speaking. In a world full of trolls, let’s be cheerleaders.
Here’s why: the world would be a better place if we celebrated each other more and compared less.
The truth is there’s room for all of us. We often live in a mindset of scarcity, thinking that someone else’s success or accomplishment means our opportunities are now more limited. But our God is a God of abundance! He will provide the right opportunities for us in His timing. And when it’s our turn, we’ll hope others will be cheering us on, right?
Want to join my squad? Here are some simple ways we can be cheerleaders:
Count our blessings and celebrate each other: When we feel comparison creeping in from something our friends have posted online, let’s use it as an opportunity to be grateful for what we have and where we are in our journey. Then let’s write a sincere note or comment of celebration to the person whose post we see. Here are a few examples:
- Congratulations on your new job/house/vacation/award! Cheering you on!
- Great job on ___________!
- Celebrating you, friend! So happy for you!
Encourage people you may not think need it: We all want to know if what we’re doing matters, if it resonates with people. If you’re sitting in an audience, smile and nod when you like something the speaker says. If you enjoyed your pastor’s sermon, send him an e-mail. If you think your boss is doing an awesome job, tell him/her.
Put your faith into action: So many times, our intentions never turn into action. We think of something we can do to encourage a friend or family member, but we never do it. I can think of so many times that I do this.
But I’m reminding myself that I get to choose how I spend my time. I want to spend it on things that matter, instead of on distractions that steal pockets of my time every day. It’s never too late to let someone know you’re celebrating them. Send that card or make that phone call, even if it’s late. You’ll probably make their day!
Practice, practice, practice: Any team or squad only gets better with practice. We may not always feel like cheering someone on, if at first we feel jealous or insecure. But the more we exercise our cheerleading muscles, the more instinctual and habitual it will become. Let’s dedicate ourselves to leaving a little sparkle wherever we go, whether that’s in person or online. It will make our little bit of the world a better place.
I’d love to know: what other ideas do you have for being a cheerleader?
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