The Power Of A Cheer

The city of Philadelphia’s slogan is “The City of Brotherly Love.” Most people, however, think it more resembles “The City of Brotherly Shove.”

In 1994, a Gallup Poll named Philadelphia America’s most hostile place. Its citizens are known for their ruthless booing at athletic events. After all, these are the people who actually booed Santa Claus.

The Philadelphia Eagles Santa Claus incident, also referred to as The Santa Claus Game, occurred on December 15, 1968. It was the final week of the NFL season, and the Eagles had only won 2 games that year. Eagles fans in the stands, so upset by the poor season, booed the half-time Santa riding on a float with eight life-sized fiberglass reindeer while simultaneously pelting him with snowballs.

Not much has changed over the last 50 plus years on the Philadelphia sports scene. Most recently, Philadelphia Phillies fans ruthlessly booed their own shortstop, Trea Turner. He was not living up to the expectations of his paycheck. In fact, he sunk to one of the worst hitters in baseball, and the Phillies fans were less than forgiving.

Enter local Philadelphia producer Jack Fritz of SportsRadioWIP, who felt it was time for the fans to take a different approach to their shortstop. He tweeted the following…

Fritz got all the hosts on the station to promote the same idea. It began to go viral on Twitter.

When Trea Turner came up to bat at the next Phillies home game, things were different. The message was different. Instead of the boos of condemnation, Turner received cheers that said, “WE ARE FOR YOU… WE ARE WITH YOU!”

Watch the difference here.

And it was in that moment of compassion and encouragement that things began to turn around for the beleaguered shortstop. While he only got one hit that night, the following day, he homered in a Phillies win and has been on fire ever since. A revitalized Turner has helped lead the Phillies to the playoffs this October, and they hope for a long run.

So thankful for the encouragement of the fans, Trea Turner put up 12 billboards around the city to say “Thank You” to the fans.

The difference between a jeer and a cheer is evident. In fact, it can make all the difference in the world.

Who is it in your world who could use a cheer? Who could benefit from a kind word or simple note of encouragement? Perhaps even a standing ovation when they walk into the office, classroom, or home. I’m serious! Think of the smile on their face when you communicate, “WE ARE FOR YOU… WE ARE WITH YOU!”

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds..”

Hebrews 10:24

The greek word for “spur” in the above verse can be translated as “to stir up.” What would stir up someone in your life more than a standing ovation? Let’s stir it up, people! As believers, we should be first to cheer and encourage others on.

Jim Rayburn, the founder of Young Life, said, “There are thousands of people in this country that no Christian has ever said a kind word to.”

He was right.

Let’s make the decision today to be on the side of cheering and encouraging those God brings into our lives rather than landing on the side of jeering and condemnation. Let’s be the first to come alongside those who are struggling with a message of “WE ARE FOR YOU… WE ARE WITH YOU!”

And if you are the person most needing the encouragement and ovation today. Remember, the citizens of heaven and God himself do the same for you.

“Do you see what this means— all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit!"

Hebrews 12:1 (The Message)

"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

God Himself is saying to you today, “I am for you… I am with you.” Now go up to the plate of life with confidence, and both enjoy and share the applause of heaven.

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