The Importance of a Cheerleader

If there is on thing that I have been successful in above all other things, it is being a cheerleader for my children. This is what my Mom was to me - always defending me, encouraging me and praising me for my tenacity. It’s probably not what most people would characterize as success - it is not material wealth or educational accolades. But it is a legacy that will carry on long after I am gone. It’s not always an easy job. With this responsibility comes carrying their burdens (even if it means locking yourself in your bedroom and crying out to God after tough conversations), directing their paths, encouraging them to follow their dreams and hopefully in the end help celebrate their successes.

You don’t have to be great at everything - correction - you WON’T be great at everything - but who knows better than anyone else where you strengths lie? A Mom. I have been known to make persuasive suggestions in the past to help my kids discover themselves. Try marching band for at least one year . . . why don’t you be on the school news team? . . . do soccer . . . don’t do soccer . . . etc.

What if I told this one that she couldn’t follow her dreams? What if I didn’t tell her when she complained about her huge mouth and big eyes that God made her that way so she could be seen from the very last row of a packed auditorium? What if I didn’t encourage her to persevere when she was cast in tiny roles in shows that she thought she should have gotten the lead? What if I didn’t beg her to not quit (I know a double negative) when things were rough and there was no hope in sight?

So while she is still within driving distance, I will be the fan who gets there early for the best seat. I will show up with my big camera and anyone else I can drag along with me. I will tell her that nobody besides me and her director noticed the one sour note and I will tell her she is beautiful. I will encourage her to keep pushing, keep perfecting her craft, to remain humble and to remember that her gift has been given for a purpose. I also have been given a purpose. To raise up a child in the way that they should go, to teach them to honor God and love others and to be on the sidelines to cheer whether they are winning or losing.