Back To School Advice

Student Athlete Advancement (SSA) is an organization that provides guidance to High School student athletes who are being recruited to colleges and universities.

I like the quote on their web page: “”WINNING isn’t everything. But WANTING TO WIN is.” That puts sports in its proper perspective, but elevates an attitude that is necessary to be successful in life.

On their facebook page they offer this back to school advice to the athletes.

TO ALL STUDENTS
RETURNING TO SCHOOL

If you see any of the following:

*another student struggling to make friends
*another student being picked on
*a student who is new, shy, or not with the “in crowd”
*a student who is eating lunch alone

BE A LEADER! BE A WARRIOR!

Say hi. Smile at them. Ask if you can sit with them. Include them. You never know what a person is facing inside or outside of school.

At the bottom of the post was this challenge. Be the change.

What a great message. Not just to student athletes, but to all students. Especially Christian young people who are seeking to be “the light” in a sin-darkened world (Matt. 5:14-16).

It also a great message to adults as well. Pay attention to the those in your circle of influence–at church, at work, in your neighborhood, in your extended family, in your social club. Be alert and aware of those alone. Depressed. Struggling. Wiping away tears. Different from the group. Or expressing worry and anxiety.

It is the essence of the Golden Rule. “Treat others the way you want to be treated” (Matt 7:12).

It is the 2nd great commandment in action. “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39).

It is being “the Good Samaritan” stopping along life’s highway to help those who are hurting (Lk. 10:25-37).

It is applying Paul’s admonition. “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4).

It is walking in Jesus’ footsteps. Seeking to be like Him. Loving as He loved. Caring as He cared. And helping as He helped.

Be a leader.
Be a warrior.
Be the change.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman