The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Facing the Giants

This is my son's first year to play football. Really any sport for that matter. He played basketball his 5th grade year at his last school, but he didn't really enjoy it. It was his first year to play unlike most of the other kids. He got made fun of daily by many of his teammates and it crushed his spirit. He didn't want to play anymore, but I made him finish his commitment anyways.

When he came home at the beginning of this school year and told me he was playing on the 7th grade football team, I didn't believe him. I knew he had to do athletics and learn the sport because it is a small school, but he's choosing to play on the team on his own. He wanted me to buy him some football cleats. I asked him if he was sure he was on the team. I hadn't heard or received anything from the school or coaching staff. Yes, mom, I'm on the team!

So, before I spent money on cleats, I called the school office to confirm with the coach. Yep. He's on the team. I expressed my concerns and how he had never played before. The coach went on to tell me how a lot of them haven't and that my son was doing great. Ok. So that weekend I bought the cleats, and he has been practicing for his first game that is today.

Yesterday, was his first after school practice against the 8th graders. So he stayed after school to practice while I took the littles to afterschool Bible study. Practice would be over at 5, but I saw I received a missed call from the school at 4 so I headed over to the school at 4:30. I went to the athletic building expecting to see my son suited up, but instead he was standing on the sidelines with a defeated face. 

I asked him what was wrong and before he could answer a classmate preceded to tell me how my son was sick and that he was vomiting and that she was not going let him practice. This momma knew better. So when she walked off, I looked him in the eye and asked him what's really going on. He said those 8th graders are big and I don't want to play football anymore. What!?! He went on to tell me how he doesn't know the plays and he's afraid to tackle or get tackled.

So we waited on the sideline until practice was over. When his team began to huddle, I told him to join his team and when his coach was finished talking tell him your mom needs to talk to him. I listened as the coach talked to them and encouraged them for their first game. He was reminding them the team they will play will not be as big as the 8th graders. He asked if they had any questions. They did. None of them pertained to football. Haha!

After the team huddle, I sent Steven to the locker room while I spoke to his coach. With tears, you know me, I explained how my son was overcome with fear. The first thing he did was encourage me not to let him quit. Which I had already told my son he wasn't quitting. I bought cleats for goodness sakes! He reassured me that My son was doing great. He said he could see the fears that my son has and that there were many more players with the same fears. Laughing, he said none of them know the plays. I walked away confident my son was under a compassionate coach that truly seeks to build team players.

I went and waited for my son in the truck. When he came out he was smiling and walking proud with his jersey. There's that excitement again. As he got in the truck, a teammate yelled, "Missed you at practice! Get better we need you in the game." Teary eyes again. His coach had also took the time out to encourage my son and build him up. That means a lot to this momma. When he got in the truck he said, "Mom, you're not going to believe this, but I'm not the only one afraid. Coach says so." I just smiled and thought to myself thank you, Jesus.

So what inspires me? God's Word. You can bet last night during our nightly devotion we talked about David and Goliath. We read many Scriptures on fear. Today we are ready to face our giant and overcome our fears. Go Tigers!

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. |2 Timothy 1:7|

Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. |Isaiah 41:10|

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. |Psalm 56:3-4|

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. |1 John 4:18|

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. |Philippians 4:13|

The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower. |Psalm 18:12|

So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. |Hebrews 13:6|

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. |Proverbs 3:5-7|

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest. |Joshua 1:9|

For with God nothing shall be impossible. |Luke 1:37|

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. |Psalm 23:4|

I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved. |Psalm 16:8|

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. |John 14:27|

The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? |Psalm 27:1|