Well, my blog post yesterday seems to have hit a nerve.  Big time.  If you haven't read it, take a look here.  I was inspired to write it because I remember how I would DESPERATELY crave some sorta of accolade as a young mom.  In fact, I still do.  I just want someone to tell me--hey--you are not an epic failure as a mom!  Way to go!  I wanted a cheer leader.  I want a little pat on the back every now and then.  Goodness knows, I don't get it often from the kids. They never notice their clean, folded laundry.  But, should they want to wear the shirt in the ONE load of laundry that didn't get done?  BOY, do I hear about THAT.  It's a far fetched dream that those 3 children would turn to me and say, "Gee, Mom.  You're doing an amazing job as my mom and I really appreciate it."  Perhaps that's why Proverbs 31:28 so speaks to me.  Oh, that someday my grown children would indeed "rise and call me blessed!"

I realized something yesterday, as I heard from many of you just how much you needed a little reminder that you are on track in your mothering.  At the heart of it all, don't we all need a cheer leader?

A very dear friend of mine had the heart rendering experience of not making the cheer leading squad as a teenager.   It was a devastating disappointment in her young teen girl life.  But, you want to know the truth about her?  She is one of the most wonderful, most natural cheer leaders in the world.  Truly.  She never needed the cute skirt and megaphone with her name on it to prove what a cheer leader she is.  She's an amazing friend who literally says, "FIRE UP!" at the first sign of good news.  She is so in your corner that you walk away feeling affirmed with a smile on your face just by spending time with her.

And, that is what we all need.  I don't care how old you are.  Man or woman.  Boy or girl.  You need a cheer leader.   Maybe not the choreographed dance routine and a Texas Toe Touch.  But, you need someone to remind you that you got what it takes, you can do it, you got this.  

Which leads me to my three main points today.  (Why, yes, my father was a Baptist minister.  Therefore, I shall try to have a 3 point sermon with each point starting with the same letter.  Gotta do right by my dad).

1.  Surround yourself with cheer leaders.  Be intentional in your social circles and even at work to surround yourself with those who are an encouragement.  Those who uplift you and affirm you and root for you.  Invest in those relationships where you often hear words that build you up.  Put THOSE people on your speed dial.  And, call them often.  If you know someone like this but you aren't that close to them...  get to know them.  Build rapport.  Spend time together.  And form a bond there.  Hand-in-hand with this advice is to limit your interaction with those who tear you down.  Yes, I said it.  Unless you feel God calling you to pour yourself out in a ministry to someone who drains you dry.  Otherwise, build some fences.  Set some perimeters.  You don't have to cut them off.  But, when you are having a tough day--you don't have to call on them.  And, you don't have to spend the majority of your free time with them.  Even if they are family.  You can be careful to limit yourself emotionally in those relationships and be sure to increase your time with your cheer leaders.

2.  Strive to be a cheer leader.  C'mon, folks.  Live like you're trying to earn the Spirit stick.  Lest you think there's no Scriptural reference for being a cheer leader, let me prove you wrong.