WRITTEN BY TIM LABRECHE
This past weekend Sheila and I went to the last Miracle League game of the season in Sioux City. Suppose you’re unfamiliar with The Miracle League of Sioux City. In that case, they provide recreational facilities designed for individuals with disabilities to enable integrated play, promote acceptance and safety, provide positive experiences, and inspire laughter and joy for participants and their families. (That was pretty much taken directly from their website.) Our friends have a son on the team, and we wanted to see him play, so we went to the game.
We didn’t know what to expect when we got there. Once we got to the bleachers and started checking things out, I noticed it wasn’t a standard field. The field was made of rubber to accommodate those individuals who needed to use a wheelchair and safe for all players, big or small, who were playing. The field is also smaller in size to allow the occasional home run.
Each player had one or two buddies, depending on their needs. In the field, their buddy stood right by their side. Talking with them and being a friend. Then the neatest thing happened. When someone hit a ball, each player in the outfield was thrown a ball so they could participate in each play. That was an incredible way to keep them included in what was going on. Each player either caught the ball, ran after it, and then threw it back to the pitcher’s mound area. The buddies helped them in the entire process. When they were at bat, their buddy was there to help them hit the ball if needed, or simply to be alongside them, maybe as an encouragement or simply to be there in case help was needed. Oh my goodness, the joy we saw on these athletes as they participated in the game was pure encouragement to my heart as I watched and cheered. There was one young man with Downs Syndrome who ran the bases at full tilt. Full speed ahead! He didn’t need his buddy to help him run, but that buddy stayed right with him as he rounded the bases when he hit a home run. When he crossed home plate, his buddy was right next to him, patting him on the back and encouraging him on a job well done. Another young man was participating in a wheelchair. His buddy stayed by his side. He would toss the ball back and forth with his new friend, cheering him on with every toss and catch.
As I stood by the fence watching the game, the Holy Spirit was faithful to remind me that we all have a buddy that encourages and cheers for us. Isaiah 41:10 reads:
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Just as those buddies stood side by side with their players, the Holy Spirit stands with us. God has promised that he will not abandon his special possession. He will be there to encourage us, help us stand, and give us the words when we don’t believe we have them. He will always fulfill his promise to be with us. Often times, it’s simply waving a white flag of surrender, saying, “God, I can’t do this on my own. I need you.” (My heart went to a beautiful song by Matt Maher, “Lord, I Need You.” I’ll put a link to it at the end of this.)
I was also reminded at the game of my band of brothers. These are six guys that I grew up with. We may now be spread across the country and be separated by miles, but we are just like those buddies. We gather once a year and throughout the year, connecting via text, phone, or video calls. We rejoice with each other when victories come. We encourage and pray for each other when difficulties arise. We laugh with each other when a funny story is shared. We’ve prioritized staying in touch because we believe in God’s word in Proverbs 27:17, which says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Our time here on earth can be challenging at times. So many of us are prone to try and go through it all alone, thinking it’s all on our shoulders. Don’t believe the lie that you’re alone. You have the Holy Spirit walking side by side with you. You can also have the godly counsel and encouragement of men and women here to encourage you when you’re down. To laugh with you when the joy comes and to remind you that He walks with you.
Click here to learn more about The Miracle League of Sioux City.
Click here to listen to “Lord, I Need You.” by Matt Maher.
