Every Kid Deserves A Champion

I haven't written here in a while and have so many things I do want to write about. But today, I just couldn't go to bed without writing this to you.

​EVERY KID DESERVES A CHAMPION.

If you have any sort of social media, or even access to the internet, I would guess that you have heard about the Netflix docuseries "Cheer". It follows the Navarro Junior College cheer team as they go for their 14th National title. Don't worry, no spoilers here. I watched the entire series (6 episodes) in about 3 days. It was so good. I do recommend it, but maybe for different reasons than most are talking about.

If you have seen any comments about the show you most likely have heard about Monica, Jerry, LaDarius, Morgan, and Lexi. Just today I watched the clip of Monica, Jerry, LaDarius, and Gabi on the Ellen Show. Ellen talks to them about their stories and how incredible they are. 

Every person has a story.
Every person deserves for someone to listen to their story.
Every kid deserves a champion.

Many of the kids on Monica's team came from some really tough backgrounds. Not accepted by their family, left to be on their own at a young age, losing a parent. Life is hard. These stories are why I think so many people were enthralled with this show. People wanted to see that they could do it. That they could overcome these seemingly unsurmountable odds and make something of themselves. Possible spoiler: They did. And people all over the country are shouting their praise for these kids, claiming they would do anything for them, just as Monica did. The investment our country has in the Navarro cheer team is astounding. And to me, slightly troubling.

For every member of the Navarro cheer team that you rooted for, there are thousands just like them in your local school system. I don't care what kind of students you think attend your local schools, each one of them deserves a champion, and very few get the champion they deserve. It is very easy to lay in bed and cheer on someone on a screen who does have someone fighting for them. But if you were so compelled by this show, are you willing to do something about it? 

I am in my tenth year of teaching and every year I seek to love my kids as my own. I have taught public and private school. I have taught kids with very troubling childhoods in both settings. Growing up is not getting any easier. I used to think that the students with dedicated parents and a stable home didn't need me. That's just not true anymore. I have counseled so many kids who come from very stable and supportive families. Growing up is hard and they need us. 

So I have a challenge for you.

Reach out to your local school system or neighborhood ministry and ask how you can help. Find out if they have mentor programs. I can tell you that schools have a lot on their hands, so if they say no, try again or be the one to make it happen. What if you were the champion for a Jerry, or LaDarius, or Morgan in your own city? There will most likely not be a documentary made about it, but I can promise you, it will be one of the greatest things you ever did. And if you do it, or have done it, and not seen results like you saw in Cheer, please don't give up. That's another reality that is hard to face. Kids who face extreme hardship don't always make it out. But with everyone stepping in I do believe a difference can be made and more kids will find hope to persevere. 

Who were the champions in your life? Do you need to thank them today? How can you be a champion for someone else?

Here's to growing in new ways in 2020!
Much love and thanks for reading.