The Power of Empowering One

On a Friday afternoon, a little girl learned that the Salvation Army had to halt packing gifts for children who otherwise wouldn't receive anything this Christmas. And this one  little girl came up with an idea to sell handmade salt-dough ornaments and use all of the proceeds to buy gifts.

By that same evening, she had raised nearly $1000.  A little girl. A “go gettem’” attitude. And a big heart.

In four days, Avery had raised over $3000! And people kept giving.

I want to be like Avery when I grow up. Hearing a need and being willing to act on the Lord's call, just like Avery did. I believe is a huge testament to the work that the Lord is doing in her life. And I also believe that this is a testament of her parents empowering her to love and serve others. To say yes to God.

And the people giving? Generosity abounded. No matter the size of the person's donation--$5 or $200--they were making a huge investment. Not only are they investing in this one specific project--providing money for gifts and therefore showing love to the recipients--but they're investing in the long term...investing in the development of Avery's generous spirit.

People saw Avery's desire to raise money...nobody had to give money. At this time of the year, many people are already giving above what they usually give to their churches or favorite charities. But, people gave anyways, and in doing so, they showed a little girl the importance of what she was choosing to do--serving without any expectations. Giving simply to benefit others. People's kindness in giving donations  will most likely serve as an example to Avery for a very long time. It will be an impetus for more giving in her future. For a posture of generosity.

I believe that there's a whole generation of kids--young and old--itching to give...itching to serve. Lets show them how important it is. Let's invest in their ideas. Support them. Empower them. You never know what one child can do to transform lives and show others the love of God. 

(To see more about Avery and her amazing generosity, check out this local news story)  

Sports & Life: Why I Couldn't Be Prouder of Michigan Basketball

I'm a sports person. I've been raised this way, and I truly believe it's in my veins. Heck, I'm from Indiana, from the get-go it was basically predetermined that I would especially love basketball. Add on top of that the fact that my dad is a basketball coach, yeah, it's in my blood.

There is something so great about sports--especially college sports. Sports, in general, are such great opportunities for character growth and maturation. Dad said it best after one of his games: "We play sports because they are a microcosm of life." And it's true. Sports grow us. Teamwork. Work ethic. Integrity. Loyalty. Perseverance. Character. Anybody who plays a sport has the opportunity to grow in these areas and more.

Watching Michigan basketball this season was one of my favorite sports moments ever. Ok, ok...pretty big "moment," but seeing those guys--some younger than me, some older--start out so strong, grow, and then finish strong was amazing. I truly believe sports are one of God's greatest gifts. 

So in college sports, you'll see kids act like kids. They'll be selfish. They'll taunt, smack-talk, jerk-off. They'll make foolish choices and big mistakes. But in brief moments--ranging from a few seconds, a few minutes, maybe even a majority of the game--we catch glimmers of who the athlete is growing to be and what's to come.

That's why when Michigan lost in the National championship game on Monday, April the 8th, I cried, was upset, but was also prouder than ever of "my" boys, and probably couldn't be any prouder had they won. Sure, we lost by six, but building up to that final game, the national audience saw the guys work like a team. Play unselfishly. When Trey had an off game, Spike or Nik stepped-up. When we needed the charge, Jordan got it. When we needed someone to get us a couple points on the board, Karis stepped up. And when we needed that clutch three, Trey got it. Seeing the excitement and hard-work of the guys and coaching staff excited me. Seeing how the guys surpassed everyone's expectations thrilled and made proud. That's why, although sad and disappointed, I couldn't be prouder. And why I"m proud to be a Michigan Wolverine--win or lose.

Hail yeah!

(A great blog post by senior Wolverine Josh Bartlestein)