I’ve mentioned before that on the actioncorps team everyone has a function and every function is necessary to make our mission successful. Something you might not know is that we had our own personal cheerleader during our trip to provide relief for victims of hurricane Sandy. Yep. Cheerleader. I believe one of the most vital jobs on any team is the job of cheerleader.
I’m not going to enter the debate about whether Cheer is a sport or an accessory. I am not going to enter the argument about uniforms or lack thereof. What I want to talk about is the SPIRIT – the ESSENCE – the LIFE FORCE, that it takes to be the person who has to keep everyone’s SPIRITS up.
All right – I’ll admit it – I was a cheerleader (there will be a GREAT penalty for anyone who tries to find a yearbook THAT old!). But here is the thing – I’m still a cheerleader. All my life I have been the person who boosted everyone’s spirits. I try to find the silver lining in any situation and I like to share it. I am the support person for family and friends who need “cheering up”. But the really amazing thing is – there are people who are MUCH better at it than I am. And I value those people in my life and on my team.
Actioncorps had their very own cheerleader – a person that I specifically delegated to be in charge of cheer and good spirits. AND SHE WAS AMAZING AT HER JOB! We couldn’t have done it without her. There were times when many of us felt like giving up and heading back home. She was there with a kind word or a sweet thought. There were “nice things” – that I overlooked ….but she was on top of them. Making sure everyone’s physical and emotional needs were met. Again – we couldn’t have done it without her.
And actionchurch is so very blessed to have an actual Cheer Squad. I hope that you have had the pleasure and benefit of their actions. Those people who always know just what to say. Those people who reach out and give you a great big ‘ole hug and a smile when you are down. Those people who jump on tweets and let you know they are there for you. Those people who say they will pray – AND ACTUALLY PRAY! Gosh – it feels so good to get a random text, out of the clear blue sky, from someone special who takes the time to tell me they think I’m wonderful and they appreciate what I do.
Here is the cool thing. There are no try-outs! EVERYONE can be on the squad. And before you go all macho on me – there ARE male cheerleaders too you know?! It only takes a minute of your time to change someone’s day. It only takes a kind word, thought, deed – to make the difference in someone’s LIFE. Try it – and I guarantee that it will make a difference in YOUR life too.
“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
Proverbs 11:25