The Power of Encouragement

Do you remember your mother telling you "Sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will never hurt you?"  Well, to be honest, that's a partial truth, or a half truth and I object, vehemently (sorry mom...)!  Yes, hard objects we call sticks and stones do break bones; however, negative comments & name calling hurts and the hurt goes deep!  As one who has worked with people for over twenty years, I can assure you that people win and accomplish great things when they're told they can; on the other hand, when people are told they're no good, they won't amount to anything...they usually do lose!

I just watched a two hour show on ESPN called "30 for 30, the Story of Marcus Dupree: The Best that Never Was!" First, let me go on record to say I totally respect and appreciate the man Marcus Dupree.  Second, I was and still am a fan.  And third, I don't even like the title of the show - it's just negative, sarcastic and well, overly mean.  Okay...that's off my chest.

Marcus Dupree was a gifted athlete from Mississippi and became the most sought after high school athlete in the history of prep football.  Mr. Dupree ended up going to Oklahoma to play for Barry Switzer's Sooner's.  After his freshman year, he broke all kinds of records, was being heralded as a potential Heisman Trophy winner and his future was as bright as any athlete's has ever been.  Long story short: after his first bowl game (he actually broke a Fiesta Bowl record with over 250 rushing yards that still stands today), his coach went on national television and boldly stated that Marcus didn't put forth a full effort, came to the game out of shape and had a terrible attitude.  Three months later, Marcus didn't report to camp and dropped out of college.  Yes, he did make a remarkable comeback, played professionally (he even played for my Rams!) and made his mark in football history. 

My objection is simply this: from the first day of Dupree's arrival on Oklahoma's campus, he was treated like an object, treated as if he had no feelings, no humanity, no value - except to run the ball and make the Sooner's famous and wealthy!  I submit to you if the coach was more positive and encouraging, history could have been different.  Just think if he responded when asked about his famous running back, "You know, Marcus Dupree is the greatest athlete I've ever witnessed.  More important, he's a great kid with a bright future; I believe in him and I am so proud of this young man.  We'll be back and we'll see how we can win next time!"  During the two hour show, I was almost jumping out of my seat, hoping those significant coaches at OU would have been more encouraging, provided a hug of affirmation and simply said, "Marcus, we love you and believe in you..."  Well, there are so many other circumstances this short note can't address...

Here's my heart: the power of encouragement is simply amazing.  Every day, you and I, we have the opportunity to encourage someone with the spoken word.  We have a gal at our church named Jennie; she's 90 and is so stinking adorable.  On Friday's, we feed what we call Morro Bay's Citizens - those who struggle to exist, are normally excluded from society and even treated by most as losers.  Well, the MBPD and our church, Rock Harbor partner together to provide basic necessities for life to these folks.  On Fridays, Jennie goes with our team and literally hugs every single one of them and whispers in their ear, "I love you & I pray for you!"  My buddy Richard, a police officer here in town, will stop at least ten times a shift and yell out of his squad car at a down and out citizen, "...hey, I believe in you; I'm so proud of you!"  On occasion, he jumps out and provides a donation to help make their day.  Just recently, one of my pole vault students was struggling at a height she wanted to clear.  Jessica walked past me the other day and said, "Coach, I can't do it; I don't know what my problem is!"  I said, "Jess - I believe in you and I know you can do it!  Tonight, when you go to bed - close your eyes and watch yourself jumping over the height."  The next day, at league finals, Jessica, as a freshman, not only cleared the height, she medaled with a second place mark! 

In short - I'm on such a journey to encourage and I invite you to join me.  Now, be careful not to flatter...sweet-talking is like a shadow, it's here and then gone.  However, true encouragement by the spoken word will last a lifetime.  My wife Tami often quotes from King Solomon when I'm in a mood; she says with love and conviction: "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold and settings of silver!"  Today, let's be champions of encouragement and intentionally tell someone we care, believe in and love them...we may just alter their future for the good!  Take care and thanks for reading...

Proverbs 25:11