Dear Panthers...

Dear Panthers…

Think back to your first time to suit up as a Panther.  Back to the first weight room practice.  Back to Team Camp.  Back to the Salt Bowl. Seniors....go back to your freshman year, when you won 3 ballgames.  Even to the night you competed and won the Conference Championship in the final seconds.  You have overcome such adversity.  You didn't quit.  You didn't give up.  You were a proud panther before the scoreboard always showed victory.  Funny....that is the real victory in itself.  That YOU NEVER GAVE UP.  Just look what faith can do.  What an opportunity and precious memories you have!  Its an opportunity that few have….and this year…the BENTON PANTHERS have it. YOU have it. 

You have it because you have been working so hard.  You have it because you have been playing as a TEAM.  As a family.  You have it because you have been playing for something bigger than yourselves.  And it shows.  You have exhibited such strength, and courage, and faith….Faith in your brothers.  Faith in your team.  Faith in your courage.  Faith in yourself.  And Faith in our Heavenly Father.

I know that it may have crossed your mind…at some point…”What if we actually win this thing?”   or “This could be our year!” You’ve listened to “nay sayers” all your lives.  Let me tell you, young men, YOU have made a difference.  Nobody doubts the Panthers.  Not anymore.

Only you can control your pride and how you compete. REFUSE to let any other team or player perform better than you will. Stay humble.  Play for your Seniors.  Play for your Coaches.  Play for your School, Play for our town. Play for each other.  Play for your parents and family, who have followed you and nurtured you and loved you. Play for the elementary kids back home whom you've never even met, but know who you are and where you play. Play for the ones you ate lunch with this year, who cheer for you on Friday nights, who can't wait to be YOU someday.  Play for your family and your friends. Finally, play for yourself. Pride in yourself means that, win or lose, you worked and competed as hard as you possibly could until the schedule provided no more games to play.

Remember, above all else….No matter what the scoreboard shows in the end.  Whether or not, you "win the last game"...You are a winner.  All glory goes to HIM….always.

When you come back to Benton in 10 or 20 years for an alumni visit, inevitably you'll represent this team. You can say with pride, I played for the undefeated State Championship, Benton Panthers???  You’re almost there, guys.  Almost there.  I've heard so many guys who graduated a year, five years, or 20 years ago say, 'Man, I wish I could just get one more game. Even just one snap! Cherish every second.

It is nearing the time, when you will strap on your helmets and pads for the last time.  Seniors, the last time ever.  The rest of you...the last time with this special team.  Leave your mark.  Leave your legacy.  Make sure they never forget. Leave it all on the field.  Every ounce.

Effort is between you and you. It can be faked. But why fake it? Let's make these next few playoff games the most memorable you can. That starts right now. This week.  Friday night.  You earned the right to play at home.  At our house.  At YOUR house.   Look to your brother on the right and to the left.  Together, you can do it! Can’t wait to watch you at War Memorial….and line up next year to get your rings. J

I couldn’t have hand-picked a better team for my Sam.  Coaches, I thank you.  Fellow Panther Parents, I thank you.  Panthers....thank you.  It has truly been a joy to watch each of you over the years, and of course, this season.

We have prayed for each of you by name….each week.  Week after week, we have prayed for you.  Each and every single one of you by name.  God has walked beside you...with his hand upon you.  He has had HIS favor on you, my sweet Panthers.  With God, NOTHING is impossible!  

Our prayer for you this week:

"Lord, help them to  compete for You alone. Be it a victory or a loss, that they play for You.  That every time they compete, they stand for the cross. That their love for the game is evidence of their love for You. That they play for You, Lord, when they put on the uniform, lace up the shoes and walk out of the locker room. They declare their loyalty to You!

That their drive comes from the Holy Spirit. Through the pain and through the cheers, they will not give in or give up. That their passion for competition comes from above. They sweat for the One who made them. The champion inside of them is Jesus. That their only goal is to glorify the name of Christ. To win is to honor Him.

We pray they  feel Your delight when they compete. All of their abilities are from You, Jesus. That their heart yearns for Your applause. They are  under Your authority. We give them to You, Lord. That they will respect and honor their teammates, coaches and opponents. Help them to play by the rules. Guide them to submit to You as their Ultimate Coach.

Let them be Your warriors in the heat of battle. Keep them humble in victory and gracious in defeat. That they serve those on their team and those they compete against. Let their words inspire and motivate. Help them to utter what You desire. Help them to remember that their  body is Your temple; nothing enters it that is not honoring to You. That they  train to bring You glory. Their sweat is an offering to You, our heavenly Master.

We wear Your jersey, Lord. Victory does not lie in winning but in becoming more like You. There is no greater victory. Protect their bodies and their hearts Lord.   In Your name, We pray. Amen."

Protect your Family, boys.  Protect your House.  Go get 'em!  :)

Blessings,

Terri 

Sam’s Mom