I have tried off and on all week to try to find a verse for the week that resonated with me for this post but passage after passage as meaningful as they were just wasn’t tugging at my heart strings in the way I needed. Today my son Brody and I drove over 2 hours away to Indiana Wesleyan University for his baseball game. Way back lol in 2004 – 2008 I attended the Associates and then Bachelors program at Indiana Wesleyan Columbus campus. It was a program specifically for working adults going back to college. When I graduated from each program I got to come here to Marion Indiana to the main campus and walk with the rest of the graduates. That still sticks out as one of the most proud moments of my life to have accomplished that. When I attended the graduation ceremony from the bachelors in spring of 2008 I was pregnant with Brody. 18 years ago was the last time I was here and I was just trying to figure out what I might name him. Now we’re here today 18 years later as he is going into his senior year. Wow cue the saxophones and pass the tissues cause mama is not ok ha. He is going to tour some colleges soon and this is one is on his list. He’s always attended a private Lutheran school so I could see this being a good fit but also some of the others he’s looking at as well.
I always feel like my best stories, poems, blogs and whatever else I write always comes when I’m just spontaneously inspired, not trying to force anything. So as I was sitting here waiting for the game to start I saw on the baseball field the passage Philippians 2:1-11 and it says “Selfless”. I never noticed until just now that with just the displacement of one S you could spell it frontwards or backwards. Enlightening I know lol!! It seems like such a simple word right, but maybe one that’s easier said than done on this earth.
Philippians 2:1-11
2 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God,[a] he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b]; he took the humble position of a slave[c] and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form,[d] 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Such a good message!! As I think about the journey of sports, family, and faith, humility stands out as one of the most important ingredients in teamwork. It’s all about putting the team’s goals ahead of our own. When we embrace humility, we lift each other up, celebrating those little victories instead of chasing the spotlight for ourselves. Being humble isn’t just about being modest; it also means being open to feedback and new ideas. That openness strengthens our bonds, whether on the field or at home. It creates a sense of trust among us, making everyone feel valued and committed to what we’re trying to achieve together.
I know for me this is always important to remember, so I wanted to make something clear. Humility does NOT mean downplaying your achievements or worth. Instead, it’s about recognizing that your talents and accomplishments are gifts from God. Philippians 2:3 encourages us not to be selfish or seek to impress others, but it doesn’t require us to diminish our own worth. It’s perfectly acceptable to take pride in your accomplishments. They reflect hard work, dedication, and God’s blessings in your life. Celebrating these moments can inspire others and show them what’s possible when we apply ourselves. Being humble allows you to uplift those around you without feeling threatened. You can shine in your own right while also celebrating the successes of others. Romans 12:10 reminds us to “love one another with brotherly affection” and “outdo one another in showing honor.”
As with anything in this life I believe it’s all about understanding that you can be both proud of your journey and supportive of others. Recognize your achievements, give thanks to God for them, and share your story to inspire others. At the same time, remain open-hearted and generous with praise for those around you. Jesus exemplified this balance perfectly. He accomplished great things but remained humble, serving others and giving glory to God. By following His example, we can learn to celebrate our victories while also lifting others up.
So as we remember to model humility it sets the tone for our families and inspires those around us. In doing so, we create a positive space where everyone can thrive, cheer each other on and support our loved ones in their journeys. Truly, that is what makes this beautiful game of life so worthwhile.
How do you see humility playing a role in your own experiences with sports and family?