Encouraging Notes

In late August I received a couple of very encouraging notes from two Character Coach teammates in response to different interactions.

The first was from Lindsay Moncrief of the FCA staff at University of Arkansas. She was one of the people participating in the FCA Character Coach training I led in the first week of August. She was recently preparing for her first meeting with the Women's Basketball team and wanted to refresh her understanding of the 360 Sports Matrix that was part of the training. We had a good conversation and she went on to the meeting. The text message below was her reply to my text message asking, "How did your meeting with the team go?"

Lindsay replied, “I’m so sorry I forgot to text you. I left on such a high and then in awe of God and His goodness.

The meeting went so well, and I even got some extra time with them because they couldn’t get in the weight room right away.

We got on the topic of relationships and girls that would avoid me when I would come in to the gym were asking me so many questions about my experience in college, and with my husband. Many of them opened up to me, and some even came up to me and asked for a one on one.”

The other encouraging note came from the Nations of Coaches Character Coach at the University of Alabama - Huntsville, John Ryberg. His note is below.

"Hello Coach,

Thanks for this timely and helpful message. My first official talk with the UAH Men’s Basketball team is on Sunday evening. I had been planning to start with the subject of identity, with some discussion about how our self worth is affected by our relationships. Our starting 5, and the defacto leader of the players just returned from a mission trip with Real News in Germany and the Netherlands. On the trip, he experienced a very powerful awakening in his awareness of God that has changed the way he thinks about basketball and competition.

When we had lunch together, he shared that does not have the same anger and animosity while playing. He now sees that God can do something bigger through his play. He still plays with great intensity and skill, but he is in control and enjoying the competition. He shared that he has a different understanding of who he is, because he knows whose he is. Very exciting development for the start of the season and how he can help the other guys grow in their faith.

The presentation you shared was very helpful, because there is often a false narrative that condemns the other layers of identity that are not religious. You have given me some great food for thought as I am preparing to talk with the team tomorrow evening. Blessings to you Coach!"

Notes like these two, the stories you share with me, the ways you respond to any sort of encouragement, resources, or input from me are fuel for my fire. This stuff enriches my soul. Thank you for your selfless and faithful service. When you encounter moments of God's grace like Lindsay and John have, please drop me an email, a text message, a phone call, a smoke signal... anything. Thanks!