Lessons from a Mascot {5 ways to Encourage Others}

My middle son bounded into the kitchen a couple of weeks ago bouncing a basketball in a red morph suit.  Some moms might have wondered what was going on, not this one. Happenings like these are commonplace in my household.

Hudson announced, “I’m the new mascot for Daws’ (his brother’s) basketball team.”

I replied, “Oh really?  When did this happen?”

“I just decided it.” he answered, and off he went to complete his mascotting attire.

What I love the most about this is that no one asked him to be a mascot.  He was self appointed!  He made himself at home on the team’s bench, does push ups or a diving slide when they score, and gives high fives to the boys as they come on and off the court.  At the last game I think he got just as many cheers as the players.  I mean, who doesn’t love an enthusiastic mascot?!  Especially one in a morph suit?

http://youtu.be/k1lscaCp_p8

We all could sure use a mascot in life!  Someone to be on our home team and encourage us.  We also can become someone’s mascot…. many people’s in fact.

Here are 5 Ways to be Someone’s Mascot:

1. Cheer…loudly!    There are plenty of nay sayers out there.  Let’s be people who truly “rejoice with those who rejoice.”  What a gift to to be in someone’s corner.  Someone who doesn’t see another’s success as a threat, but rather has self appointed themselves as #1 cheerleader!  Now that’s unique!

2. Sit with them on their bench.   Sometimes the power of another’s presence is enough.  At times words don’t come, or seem artificial.  But being side by side in critical moments matters.  I remember a friend just laying across my lap, tears rolling down her face.  No words were spoken, and being together was enough.

3. Build them up in front of others.    The whole goal of a mascot is to promote a team in the presence of a crowd.  To build team spirit.  Let’s be people who build unity among others by lifting up the strengths of individuals.  How much better is this approach than gossip?  That tears down and pollutes all of those around it.  This tactic builds and strengthens all involved.

4. Add fun to the mix.  I’ve never met a mascot who wasn’t FUN.  Think of ways to lighten life a little for another.  Add levity by texting something funny, throwing a mini party, or leaving a little gift on the doorstep.

5. Circle the court.    Mark Batterson’s book, The Prayer Circle, talks about praying circles around our dreams and around people.  One of the greatest gifts we can give others is to PRAY FOR THEM.  One time, while doing a favor for a friend in her house,  I walked room by room and prayed for her family.  It was a gift to me and to her to cover their house in prayer, though she doesn’t even know I did it.

Being a mascot takes some effort and energy, but the rewards will be  joy, strengthened relationships, and love.

Think of one person right now who needs some encouragement, or who you just want to pick to be their mascot over the next 2 weeks:

NAME ________________________________________

After these 2 weeks, if there hasn’t been something special that happens as a result of your efforts, then let’s pack up this blog and throw in the towel.  But my guess is that you will both experience meaningful and rewarding connection.  Pick that person and start mascotting (if that’s even a word)!

Have you ever had someone who acted as a mascot in your life?  I’d love to hear ideas on how people have done this.