The Encouragement Flu
Dear Champions, The short excerpt is by Dr. David Cox, and the Scripture is 2 Corinthians 5:20. We are therefore Christ s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. . .
For the first time in 15 years, I was blessed to be part of a softball team recently. The season ended this week. I played for PowerSecure of Wake Forest, North Carolina. Playing on that team was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had; and an unprecedented experience in my recreational life.
The President and CEO of the company, Sidney Hinton, sent a memo to the entire team at the outset of the season, and one of the goals was to be an ambassador to the community. This team really went overboard to ensure that they were representing Christ. In fact, Sidney (the company President and our starting pitcher) said in a subsequent email that it was his hope that our team s play, conduct and demeanor would infect the entire league with the encouragement flu. Here is what I will remember about this season:
1) Praying before and after every game. 2) Having a 1-9 record for the regular season and having more fun than I have ever had in any one sport. 3) Watching the disbelief of the other team when our team provided them with a cooler of Gatorade before starting play each night. 4) Observing the deep appreciation of the umpires as our team members sought to encourage them and also provided snacks and beverages for them, too! 5) Hearing about a member of another team say that everyone in the league always looks forward to playing PowerSecure because of the great attitude that they display. 6) Watching our Coach, Charles Ligon, give refreshments to the official scorekeeper before every game. 7) Being a part of team that did their best but also kept a sense of humor in the midst of losing most games and making a lot of errors...and I committed my fair share of those errors! 8) Seeing a sports team really make an impact on the lives of everyone in the league! I witnessed what I believe to be the early signs of transformation in the hearts of some!
Ambassadors to the community for Christ s sake: Mission accomplished, in my personal opinion! Recently, in an email to each team member, Sidney wrote these words with regard to the kindness and Christlikeness demonstrated on and off the field this season, When they [the fans, players, umpires, and opposing team members] see the PowerSecure name around town they will have positive memories toward each of you and our company. That is goodwill and you cannot buy it....you earn it!
Champions, have a great week!-David Vining
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