Half-Time “Pep Talk”
What has happened? For over 26 years, I have watched my husband’s enthusiasm for football. The moment the game came on TV, that was my cue. Go for a hike. Take a lavender Epson salt bath. Make a cup of tea and curl up with a book. Something in me has changed. Maybe it was Joe Burrow’s heroics for the LSU Fighting Tigers, or I am in my final season of kid’s “flag” football. But I have transformed into a “Friday Night Lights,” Saturday morning flag football, Saturday night college game time kind of gal. How about those Tigers Saturday night?!
What really excites me are the half-time coach interviews and locker room “Pep talks.” It’s tied, or you are losing by a touchdown, or maybe you are even up on the scoreboard. All the players remove their helmets, take a knee, and form a huddle to receive the coach’s “pep talk” before heading back on the field.
It’s an apt life metaphor. Aren’t we all on the field trying our best to live a meaningful life? Somedays we are up by double touchdowns, others, we have no scores on the board. We want to live a love-directed life, full of joy. But, life circumstances can really “sack” our spirits.
I attended a luncheon for men and women, under the age of 50, all recently widowed. They arrived at our “locker room lunch” exhausted from some pretty fierce life-opposition. Not only are they grieving the loss of their spouses, but suddenly, and not by choice, they are single, working parents. One of the gentlemen said he wakes up at night in a panic because the life he had planned and counted on was over. He wasn’t sure where to go from here.
God is supremely good for a “half-time pep talk.” It is always the same heavenly message!
Take a knee, close your eyes, open your heart, and listen.
God proclaims:
“I made you for love.”
“Your soul is unconquerable.”
“I don’t give as the world gives.”
“I make a way when you see no way.”
“I am not focused on before, only what you will do next.”
“I believe in you.”
“No matter what, I love you.”
“”Now get back on the field and live a life of love. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
Have a blessed week!
P.S. I am loving “Trust in You” by Lauren Daigle. May it give you the courage to get back out there and play the game!
Jeanne Marchetti
November 7, 2022 at 6:37 amJust what I needed today.
Thank you!
Carole Hagan
November 7, 2022 at 7:34 amFarrell,
Grieving the loss of our dear friend, Honey, I have been slowed down with melancholia. Your message resonates with me just as though she, who was always so vibrant, is telling me to “get back on the field.” Your messages always seem to reach out and touch whatever needs require healing. God bless you and yours.
Amey Warder
November 7, 2022 at 12:16 pmthank you farrell!
xx
Diane Tucker
November 7, 2022 at 1:01 pmLiked that you included “football” metaphors today! I’m a football girl! Hope you have a blessed week, too! Hugs!
Polly Keith
November 8, 2022 at 3:10 pmOh Farrell, thank you. I hadn’t heard that song. We’re taking one of our grand daughters to hear at the RYMAN. Can’t wait. She’s my go to when I walk. Aren’t you glad we can still learn new things. I bet David is loving you liking football.
Polly Keith
November 8, 2022 at 3:12 pmOh Farrell, I love her and hadn’t heard that song. Thanks so much. We are going to take one of our grand daughters to see her at the Ryman. Can’t wait. And look at you showing us we can still learn new things. I bet David loves his new football buddy. Hugs.