It’s fall y’all! The weather is cool. The leaves are changing. Sweatshirts are welcomed.
Another sign of fall for our family? Friday night high school football games! Because my hubby and I work in ministry with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, we cheer on different teams in our city each week. The stadiums and school colors change, but the spirited competition is always inspiring. Even though our focus is usually fixed on the field of play, lately I’ve been gazing at the sidelines more and more. Why? Because while 11 players are repping their team on the turf, the majority of the squad is on the sideline. Truth be told—that’s where most of us spend most of our time. Staying strong on the sidelines is key.
Staying strong on the sidelines is key.
In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul provides some color commentary to describe God’s team like our bodies. By simply substituting the words “body” and “parts” with “team” and “position,” we get an inspiring biblical snapshot of the Friday night sidelines—and our lives.
“Our team has many positions and God has put each position just where he wants it. How strange a team would be if it had only one position! Yes, there are many positions, but only one team. The receiver can never say to the lineman, “I don’t need you.” The quarterback can’t say to the center “I don’t need you.”
“In fact, some positions on the team that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary…This makes for harmony among the team, so that all the teammates care for each other…All of you together are Christ’s team and each of you fills a position in it.” 1 Corinthians 12:18-27
Moms, it may be far-fetched to picture yourself daily putting on football pads, helmet, and uniform. But this fall I want to encourage you to confidently embrace the extra “special” position that God’s given moms on the sidelines as MVP parents.
Embrace the extra “special” position that God’s given you, moms!
When you take a quick glance at a football team sideline you see three squads of players. Even most “sports challenged” moms (like me) can identify the offensive and the defensive squads, but fewer understand or appreciate the “Special Teams” squad.
A quick Google search describes “Special Teams” like this:
“Special Teams units truly are special. Special Teams are one of the most overlooked units in football. While they don’t get as much notoriety, how these units perform has as much, if not more, of an impact on the outcome of the game as offense or defense.
Simply put, Special Teams refers to members of the roster who are on the field during kicking plays. Special Teams are unique in that they can serve as both offensive or defensive units and that they are only seen sporadically throughout a game.
Their positions require technique, toughness, and a specific skill set. These players have to be able to accelerate, decelerate, use their hands, run through contact, create positive angles, play with vision, show open-field ability and finish tackles at full speed.”
Yep. Sounds like being a momma of tweens and teens, doesn’t it? If you’ve moved through those early seasons of 24/7 parenting and are now in a season standing more on the sidelines of your kiddos’ lives, you can see how this description of “Special Teams” fits your position!
Moms, know that even though you may be one of the most overlooked units, your position impacts whether your home teams win or lose! You must be wise and strong to play both offense OR defense whenever needed. Your position requires technique and toughness, creative plays, positive angles, vision, and the ability to tackle life’s hard on the daily.
Yes ma’am! Moms are truly “Special Teams” in Gods eyes!
One of my best friends has a son who played special teams for his state contending football squad all four years of high school. When asked his football position, Jonah would always respond, “I’m just a kicker.” Well, last spring Jonah was recognized as the leading scorer of the entire decade! As a kicker he had scored more points for his team than anyone else in 10 seasons. So, whenever you’re tempted to say “I’m just a mom” or “I’m just a teacher” or “Just a _______”, remember that in the big picture, God sees you as a game changer! You are an All-Star on God’s Special Teams unit.
God sees you as a game changer! You are an All-Star on God’s Special Teams unit.
I pray God uses this locker room pep talk to keep you game ready to intercept issues and tackle challenges whenever He calls you onto the field this season. We can all cheer from the sidelines today with Christ-confidence knowing that when God called Jesus (our Special Team Captain) to leave the sidelines of heaven and step onto earth’s turf, His championship play on the cross kicked our sins as far as the east is from the west. And the empty tomb? Eternal extra points! Yes. Jesus scored the decisive win for our victory—so that now, as His Special Teams moms, WE’VE GOT THE SPIRIT to live victoriously too!
This season Special Teams moms, suit up and stand confident on your parenting sidelines. You are ready to face today’s gridiron challenges knowing the game has already been won!
….And when watching football games this fall, let’s cheer on the Special Teams kicking squads since they represent us—God’s victorious sideline moms!
Go Team Jesus,
Kim Wigginton
For moms who want to “get in the game” in a more active way with your girls, check out Portraits of Womanhood Bible Studies @ https://heartofwomanhood.org/ This mother daughter series will strengthen your home team as you study and apply God’s Word powerfully and creatively to your daily lives! Together—Team Jesus always wins!
