My friend, Kristin, is a great cheerleader. But what makes a great cheerleader? What is a cheerleader in the first place? Well, a cheerleader, is just that a leader in cheer. It's someone who can charge up and rally a crowd behind a team, so the crowd's cheering will encourage their team and show them that they have the support and love from their fans.
Attending the cheer competition, reminded me of a conversation I had with my good and dear friend earlier that week. We talked about the need for our own personal cheerleaders, in the Christian life, and especially in ministry. As has been said, "There are two things you can't do alone, one is to be married, and the other is to be a Christian." Throughout the Bible, we see the need for community and fellowship. The need for accountability and encouragement. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." We all need friends and cheerleaders; someone to help rally people behind us, to be a reference for us, to encourage us.
Who are your cheer leaders? I know for me, my cheerleaders are my close friends and family. My friend Dave Nair, has supported me in ministry along side me as well as from afar. He is constantly praying for me, and allowing himself to be a reference for me. He has heard my frustrations and my joys. He has encouraged me. I believe he has the gift of encouragement. It's also my family. They are always there for me, no matter what. They have supported me, and encouraged me.
At times we all need an encouragement. And I believe that God encourages us through cheer leaders. I also think God uses us to be cheerleaders for others. We can all cheer on our brother and sisters. In fact, it's what we should be doing and most of us probably are. 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
So the questions I want to leave with you are these, Who are your cheer leaders? Who is it that is constantly cheering you on? Supporting you any way they can, despite proximity? Who is a constant encouragement to you? Also, who are you cheering on? Who are you a cheerleader to? Who are you supporting and encouraging?
The Top 5 Sports Teams I Cheer On
1. USC Football
2. LA Dodgers
3. LA Lakers
4. LA Kings
5. Any team that any of my former or current junior high students are on.
