Guts, Grace, and Glory by Jim Grassi

Author:Jim Grassi
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2013-04-01T00:00:00+00:00

ONE OF MY FAVORITE FOOTBALL STORIES UNDERSCORES THE IMPORTANCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT. Motivation often occurs out of the huddle of inspiration. In football, there was probably no greater leader and encourager than Green Bay Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr. When he was in his prime there was none better. He utilized his mind and voice to prompt and inspire his team.

While football was a very important part of Starr’s life, his family was his central focus. It’s interesting to note that many successful football players have a loving and supportive family who encourages and inspires them during the tough times.

During the season Starr would try to stay updated with his kids’ activities by weekly reviewing their homework and tests. If a paper was particularly good, he would tape a dime to the work and write a note saying, “I love you, and I’m proud of you!”

In 1965 Starr had a bad outing against the St. Louis Cardinals. It was a nationally televised game, and much of America’s football audience was watching. The Green Bay quarterback fumbled a few times, and in the final minutes he threw an interception that cost his team the victory. That night the team flew back to Green Bay. Late in the evening he got home only to find a note placed on the refrigerator door. It read, “Dad, I saw your game today. I want you to know I love you, and I’m still proud of you.” Signed, Bart Jr.

The words of encouragement from his young son had their influence on Bart, his family, and the Green Bay Packers. He realized the impact that timely comforting remarks could have on a person’s perspective.

Articulating an encouraging attitude can motivate people in a special way. Our tongues are but a little muscle, yet they have enormous power for both good and evil. In the book of Proverbs, we find many references dealing with the use of our tongue; for instance, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (12:18), and “He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity” (21:23).

Merriam-Webster’s gives this definition of encourage: “To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope.” However, encouraging others is counter to what our society projects. Critics and scoffers abound. When we aren’t at the top of our game or our business, there are many who will doubt and be cynical. We must remember that Jesus came to encourage us—the Lord came to “SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED” (Luke 4:18 NASB).

The following is adapted from the writings of Os Hillman. Let’s think about how our tongues can be used for encouragement and motivation.

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21).

Words have the power to motivate or destroy, energize or deflate, inspire or create despair. Many successful executives can remember the time their father failed to give affirmation to them as a child. The result was either overachievement to prove their worth or underachievement to prove he was right.

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