Cheerleader!

Articles

1

Growing up I wanted to be a cheerleader. What girl doesn’t?

I saw a cheerleader as someone who made the crowd smile, gave them optimism for a team win, encouraged the players when they were losing hope and supported them even in defeat.

Cheerleaders are part of a team and they create special cheers and wear distinct colors. There is usually a grueling try-out and only a few are chosen.

Aside from being one in a pee-wee football league, I was never able to make the cheerleading team.

My friends know about my dream of being a cheerleader and of course at my age they tease me about it.

One Christmas a dear friend of mine gave me a charm of a cheerleader. Of course knowing this friend well I thought it was a joke and laughed it off. I had opened the gift first and read the card after instead of doing the opposite like I had been asked.

To my surprise the explanation for the charm was not what I had expected. My friend said that my words and actions had always been an encouragement and had many times lifted them up and felt that I was their biggest cheerleader. I was not only supportive when they had successes but also a reminder not to lose hope during times of trials.

It was one of the most thoughtful gifts I had ever received and it actually made me more aware of the importance and impact that encouraging words and actions can make in another person’s life.

1Thessalonians5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up just as in fact you are doing.

It may come more natural to be an encourager to your spouse, children and friends but why not reach out to others? I am blessed to have the opportunity to do that for my patients and staff. I especially make an effort daily to say something encouraging to every child that I see in my office.

You would be surprised how many people don’t have someone speaking daily blessings into their lives.  Life brings struggles and disillusionments and if someone is not there to show them hope or love than these same individuals may not reach their full purpose on this earth. You will have missed an opportunity to be their cheerleader.

I am a cheerleader for Team Jesus! Our colors are crimson red and white which represent the blood of Jesus who erases our sins and turns them as white as snow. You don’t have to try out you just have to accept the invitation and start cheering.

Did you know that the bible is filled with many cheers? Words so powerful that simple cheers like “we’ve got spirit how about you?” don’t even compare.

Picture yourself cheering somebody toward victory with this one…

Phillippians 3:13 

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus

You encounter someone who is feeling anxious or depressed pick up your spiritual pom-poms and tell them this…

Phillippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

How many people lose faith and experience fear after broken promises or relationships? You can’t find the right words?

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them for the Lord your God goes with you. He will never leave you or forsake you. 

A mere smile is as powerful as a megaphone to someone who is feeling defeated by health issues…

Proverbs 17:22 

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 

Team Jesus wants every individual to know that God is going to pull you through whatever circumstance you are facing. Every person is valued, loved and destined for great things. Since you are made in His image you are wonderfully made and given gifts to succeed.

Life is like a game and all players will experience wins and losses. Be a source of encouragement by pulling out your spiritual pompoms and unique “book” of cheers, grab your megaphone and let your inner cheerleader rise up!

2-4-6-8 Jesus Christ says your great! Yay God!

~Theresa Valladares