I have always been aware of the power of words. Some time ago I found myself taken to the heights of great satisfaction one minute and then crunched low with hurt the next by words. Being able to use the e-mail is a very wonderful thing and it was the vehicle that brought the words that caused this big emotional swing. I had written a note of love and encouragement to my three grand daughters recently. Sydney is a sophomore at Shasta High in Redding and she responded to my note. Her words of love and assurance that she was standing strong for the Lord were so valuable to me that there was a noticeable physical response. Tears were certainly part of that powerful reaction. In my spirit I tried to thank God for this blessing of knowing that this precious girl was not only safe in His arms, but was growing as a Christian young lady.

The next e-mail was from Eric Scharrenberg and was a forwarded message from his good friend and coach in Sacramento. His friend told Eric about a couple of "unbelievable" events that took place recently in Southern California. A high school football player was injured when tackled by his best friend at football practice. He was taken to the hospital where he was later put on life-support. After a week, the parents decided to remove him from the life-support. They contacted their son's baseball coach, who was very close to him, to tell him of their decision. He asked them to wait until he could come to the hospital to hug and kiss him before they let him go. He came, said his good byes, shared a while longer with the parents and started for home. While driving home the baseball coach was hit by another car and killed. I couldn't believe what I'd just read. It was "unbelievable."

I decided to share this information with my team that afternoon. I talked a bit about how some things are important---and other things are really important. Then, I asked some of the players to pray. They were strong prayers for the families and their friends. Some wanted to do more if they could. We'll send a card and maybe even send some money to the families. I understand there is great financial need. Even as I write this today, I am still dealing with the tremendous swing in emotions I experienced. I still have Sydney and I can visit her and watch her grow and I can encourage her to stay faithful to the Lord. But what do I do about this story of people that have lost a son on the one hand and a wife has lost a husband, on the other? Somehow, I am reminded of James 1:22 that tells us to be doers of the Word and not just hearers. I believe the Bible's key word is Love---and it is an action word and not just a feeling word. I need to demonstrate love in these two situations.

Is there someone you need to demonstrate love to? I encourage you to take action---demonstrate God's love today. I think I'll read I Corinthians 13 again.

-Coach Hitch