Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Encouragement (among believers) (11/08/07)
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TITLE: Just Her Ordinary Day | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sharon Henderson
11/12/07 -
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When Kayla accepted the role of assistant coach for Central Middle School’s football team, she knew she would need some divine intervention. Any coaching role is tough, but being the first female assistant coach would make it even more challenging. She knew prayer would always need to be part of her ‘equipment’.
“Good morning, Ernie. How are you doing on learning those new plays for Friday’s game?”
“Mornin’ Ms. Kayla. I think I know the plays but Lawayne hasn’t even looked at them. How are we ever going to win our first game in years if people like him don’t learn the plays?”
Kayla just smiled at Ernie. It never surprised her when he complained. She knew it was just his way and she knew what he was going through on a personal level as well.
“Well, Ernie, I appreciate your input. Glad you know your part. Let’s see how we can help Lawayne ‘get’ our sense of urgency, OK?”
Lord, Ernie is quite a handful to coach. I know he means well. I lift him and his family up to you. He’s quite smart but he needs a scholarship or he will never be able to afford college.
“Good morning, Coach Morris. Here are the scouting reports you requested.”
“Good morning, Kayla. Who would have ever thought a chick would be able to help run this team?” The chunky football coach was quite a contrast to his feisty, petite assistant.
“Chirp! Chirp! This ‘chick’ as you call me, grew up with five brothers you know. They needed me to complete their team when it came time to play six-man football with the boys down the street.” Kayla reached up to catch an imaginary football as if Coach Morris had tossed one to her.
“Sorry Kayla. I’m just not used to chicks, uh gals, uh … uh females on my coaching staff. Things are different with you around. It’s like you’ve got me caring about my boys. I mean caring about my players.”
“Glad to hear that, Coach. Were you aware that Ernie’s family needs help? His dad lost his job due to illness and his mom is waiting tables to try to make ends meet. I’m not sure he even gets one square meal a day, and yet he comes out to every practice and works his tail off.”
“See! That’s what I mean! Now you have me caring and, of course, I have to help. I’ll call my church to see what they can do.”
“Or, you could buy them a few groceries yourself!”
“Yeah, I, uh, could….”
Lord, thank you for using me to remind Coach about having a giving spirit. Help him to remember his commitment to help Ernie’s family.”
“Hey Kayla! Have you seen Ernie today? He was supposed to stop by for math tutoring this morning but I haven’t seen him. Since you work with the team, I thought you might know something.”
“Hi, Ms. Thompson. Yeah, I saw Ernie in the weight room about fifteen minutes ago. He may have missed tutoring because he had to help get his siblings to school. Did you know his dad is very ill? I’ve heard they don’t have health insurance. Wait. Isn’t your brother a doctor? Do you think he could do some gratis care for him?”
“I’d have to ask him, but once in a while he will do me a favor. After all, I am his favorite sister.”
“Aren’t you his only sister?” The women shared a hearty laugh.
Lord, be with Ms. Thompson as she reaches out to her brother. Please prepare his heart so that he will be willing to help Ernie and his family.
Frustrated, Kayla walked back to her car wondering why there wasn’t more she could do to help this family that she cared so much about.
Lord, help me help this family. Give me something I can do to make things better for them, to help them, to support them. I just don’t know what to do to be an encouragement to them.
God smiled. “You spent your whole day doing just that. Well done, my faithful child.”
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Great job with the topic, and very well written. And I love football -- so the female assistant coach is a bonus. :)