As kid, I realized playing softball had many benefits. Needless to say, these were not the same kinds that an adult would recognize. To me, the benefits were things that I could do without getting into trouble: slide and roll in dirt, swing a bat, get sweaty, and stomp in the mud. Let’s face it, if my knees weren’t in such bad shape, I would be doing that stuff now.
Another benefit that I didn’t mention was cheering. No, we didn’t have cheerleaders. We did our own cheers as a way to encourage the team and each other. Let me tell you, we belted them out. Anybody near the ballfield heard us. It was so much fun. Maybe that’s why I can remember a few of them from those many, many years ago.
One of my favorites was one we used to not only give us confidence, but also to intimidate the other team: “Superstar, Superstar, we’re number one and we know we are!” Clap. Clap. Then there was a cheer we used as a “pick-me-up” when things went against us in a ballgame: “It’s alright. It’s okay. We’re gonna beat you any old way!” The last one I remember was sang when one of us was struggling while at bat. In this case, the batter was usually swinging and missing the ball or hitting foul balls. “C’mon you can do it. Just put a little power to it. Hit it! Hard!”
By the way, another awesome help for our morale was when our family and friends rooted for us from the stands.
“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
The Lord used the apostle Paul to demonstrate the necessity of encouragement. Unfortunately, I think many of us today underestimate that need in others and even ourselves. We get so used to being pushed down by the fallen world that we forget what’s like to be lifted up above it.
Yes, we can use more kind words in our interaction with others, but may I suggest something else? How about my old ball cheers? Seriously! All we need to do is tweak them a few words. “It’s alright. It’s okay. Jesus is with you every day.” How about: “C’mon you can do, just put some Holy Spirit to it. Pray! Hard!”
Brooke Cox is an author, speaker, and storyteller. She was a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist for Debut Novel. Her children’s book: “Dinosaur Eggs,” is now available. It is based on Ephesians 6: The Armor of God. Her novel “Until the Moon Rises: A Conniving Cousin Mystery” is also available. Also, she has two books out in her storytelling series: “Saucy Southern Stories.” The Amazon links for her books may be found on her website: brookecoxstories.com. Please feel free to contact her. She would love to hear from you.