To you...Moms

Dear Panther Moms,

As we enter the playoff season of my son's Senior year, I have a few things I want to say to each of you. I would like to honestly say these things...."before emotions take over"....but that isn't entirely true.  I've had that proverbial knot in my throat for quite some time.

I've known most of you for years. Sat next to you at ballgames or church.  Some of you are my in my closest circle, and others I've met as recently as last week.  I have watched, and cheered on your children for years....and you, mine.  Funny how we migrate to each other through our children.

On Sept 2, 2014, the Tuesday before the Salt Bowl....we began.  Just threw it out there on a FB page and a couple of texts.  And this little group was formed.  The coaches allowed us to enter "their space".....and come together for no other reason...than to pray.  We aren't pastors, or missionaries, or clergy....just a group of moms who are friends coming together to pray for our children.

What started in a group text of 3 or 4, is now 88 members strong on facebook, and new members are added daily.  We have about 10 (give or take) who are faithful in attendance each and every week, without fail.   We come, stand in the same spot in the center of the locker room each and every game day...like literally, the SAME spot (right Pam?  hehe), almost like old folks and their pew at church.
As we stand in that circle, rosters in hand and call out each player by name, it is at those moments that I literally feel the "strength" of a praying mom. Those who cannot be physically present, are praying at 7 am with us....wherever they may be.  We know this!  It has been by far the most incredible group of ladies I've ever been a part of.  To know that we can come together at halftime or right there in the stands and join hands and go to our Father in prayer....ANYTIME....is such an honor.

I cherish the new friends I've made.  Those whose path I may have never crossed.  Who I now have this special bond with that I'll take with me forever.  I cherish the deeper relationships that I've been blessed with....with those who have been fellow "ball and dance moms" for years, but now have been strengthened during these stolen moments in prayer.  Where there used to be a division, of sorts....is now a togetherness.

From the very beginning, you said yes.  For every idea, you said yes.  For every need, you said yes.

This season has brought with it an abundance of memories for our Panther family, and for me.  Among my favorites are these moments with each of you.  We have shared tears and joys and worries and victories.  We have supported one another and shared and grown in the common bond of simply loving our children.  For that, I say thank you.

As I walk through the room each week, and touch every helmet, I can't help but see how blessed I am to have to walk around mothers kneeling in front of their son's locker in prayer, to have to walk around moms walking through and doing the same -- praying for each and every one.  To fight for a pen each week, to leave notes of encouragement.  To know that they are lifted into His arms for safety, sportsmanship, and honor.  This has to be the "black belt" of motherhood.  To know....these ladies are praying for my son.  And your son.  And your son.  And your daughter.  And your children's coaches.  That, my friends, is the good stuff.

Look at what we/YOU have done this year!  :)

We asked HIM to enter here....

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."  Matthew 18:20

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The Roster.  Week after week -- you prayed for these

(And cheer....And pepsteppers!)

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:27

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Salt Bowl Prayer

A Saline County tradition, Lord…

Where each one picks a side…

Will it be Maroon or will it be Blue,

That you will choose with pride?

The players using their talents and gifts….

Each handpicked for them by You.

Protect their bodies AND their hearts, Lord…

As they do what they are taught to do!

The Coaches guiding and molding them

Turning young boys into men…

Teaching them that no matter what the scoreboard shows…

In the end, lies a WIN.

The referees and their whistles….

Hold them tight as they guide a fair game.

Give them honor, wisdom, and pride….

Because within it, really has no fame.

The Band gives us music….

And leads everyone of Your children in spirit.

They, too, showcase Your glorious gifts…

Where would this game be without it??

The Cheerleaders are leading us….

In cheers, chants and smiles!

Each loving their team and school,

Across each and every mile.

Two dance teams will take the halftime show…

Kicking, leaping, and most likely a prance…

For they, TOO, my precious Lord…

Are Praising YOUR name in the Dance.

Moms are praying….Dads are pacing…

And fans are cheering loud.

For no matter what color they are wearing,

NOone is more proud.

Some are there Lord…just for fun…

And haven’t thought of the outcome in sight.

Bless them too Lord, For those, we all know….

Do not have a “dog in the fight.” :)

Some are born with Panther love

While others bleed Hornet blue….

One thing we all have in common, Lord…

Is we all strive to honor YOU.

No matter what the scoreboard shows….

At the end of this Crazy game.

Two Teams…One Dream…

We know within YOU, lies our flame.

# FAMILY

-T. Baker

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Oct 3 - Homecoming game....:)

Every player, cheerleader, dancer, and member of the court received our note of prayer! :)

We said a prayer for you today
And know God must have heard.
We felt the answer in our hearts
Although He spoke no word!

We didn't ask for wealth or fame
(We knew you wouldn't mind).
We asked him to send treasures
Of a far more lasting kind!

We asked that He be near you
At the start of each new day;
To grant you health and blessings
And friends to share your way!

We asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small.
But it was for His loving care
We prayed the most of all!

I can do ALL things through Christ, Who gives me strength..."  Philippians 4:13

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October 10 - Sheridan Game

God, may You use this field to show these young men and coaches discipline and Godly principals.  May you use this game to illustrate how to tackle sin “head on.”  To crush the enemy that tries to take up ground in their territory.  We pray, God, that they handle the football like it contains your truths inside.  May they never drop it, let others take it away from them, but protect it and carry it around with them always.  May they learn to protect each other, block for one another, and help each other up.  Whenever life is hard for one of them, let them know its not too hard for all of them to come together in Your name and unite to protect their house.  God let them find the courage to oppress on when tired, when weary to fight the good fight, and reach for the prize that awaits them.  If it is Your plan, let them learn the lessons from defeat quickly, to recover from a blow right then and to adjust to stop defeat in its tracks.  Lord, let them also learn from these abundant wins.  Let them taste the fruits of their labors, but also show them winning also has its lessons and improvements can always be made.  Show them how to give YOU the glory, God!  Whether in winning or losing, show them how to have grateful hearts and to bring everything before You, Lord…both the good and the bad.  Help our Panthers to listen and obey their coaches, especially You, Lord, their ultimate Coach.  Keep both our team and our opponents safe and free from injury.  Give them the courage to pass the good news to others and to receive your unfailing love and grace.  Please be with the fans, the spirit teams, the band and all involved on this field tonight.  Thank you, God, for being the Benton Panthers’ #1 Fan.    These things we pray in YOUR name.  Amen

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Oct 17 - Texarkana Game

"Build me a Panther"....

BUILD ME A PANTHER

Build me a PANTHER, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; 

One who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.

Build me a PANTHER, whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be; a PANTHER who will know Thee, and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.

Lead him I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let him learn to stand up in the storm; here let him learn compassion for those who fail.

Build me a PANTHER whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high; a PANTHER who will master himself before he seeks to master other men; one who will learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious, yet never take himself too seriously. Give him humility, so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength.

Then, I, his MOTHER, will dare to whisper, have not lived in vain.

May he remember, my PANTHER, that it’s not his performance that captures Your attention.  It’s his complete dependence on YOU, that you notice.

Amen

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Sheridan - "Soggy Halftime Show" - Jim Gardner/Grant Merrill allowed us to invade the pressbox for the Breast Cancer Awareness "pink out" game and to tell everyone about our ministry on the Saline247.com broadcast.  So blessed that they are such supporters of our little group!  

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October 17 -- Praying moms over the Pepsteppers at the Bryant Invitational Dance Competition.

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October 27 - Saline County Citizens of the Day!  :)

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We have a banner!  We had a need, and Jim Gardner (And Northside Church of Christ) provided!  :)

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October 31 - Senior Night (front)

SENIOR NIGHT LIGHTS:  

There's nothing quite like a small southern town..

When family and friends all gather around.

Shouting and cheering and clapping their hands --

Music and cowbells and joy fill the stands.

Tonight we as Panthers.... will walk in side by side.

One Team, One Heartbeat, One Family abide.

A brother on my left and one on my right.

You bet I'll protect him with my heart, soul, and might.

We learned as young boys how to give and take a hit

It’s all a part of the game, you see……that Friday night grit.

We learned Trust, Character, Commitment, and Panther Pride, too

For the WEAK GET EATEN from the Panther Demolition Crew!

Because of this game, our hearts know true love…

For Our brothers, our Coaches, and our Heavenly Father above.

They have led us and taught us, turned us boys into men.

We are playing tonight, knowing what is REALLY a "win."

Our last night as Seniors, but forever Panthers stand tall....

We'll always be remembered as our Moms' "Boys of Fall."

We hope and we pray they'll never forget this dream team,

Our legacy, our faith - We're the "Class of '15!”

Panthers forever...even when the last whistle blows.

It's a memory, a blessing, a feeling we all know.

So tonight as we walk through that tunnel to fight....

Never EVER forget, boys....these "Senior Night Lights."

                                                                                                       - t. baker
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(Senior Night) Back

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13

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Our "M&M Prayer" -- given to all team members and to the little ones at the "Trunk or Treat" Tailgate!  :)  We asked for M&Ms....and LORD, we produced the M&Ms!  Thank you!

Each color tells the PANTHER story, one you may or may not know…

It’s happened here in Benton, not too long ago.

Green is for helping us grow….a little stronger every day.

Blue is for reaching to Heaven….and for Him to guide our way.

Orange shows our enthusiasm….for each and every play.

Yellow is for accepting God’s grace….even when we lose our way.

Brown is for our humility….in actions and what we say.

Red is for teaching us why Jesus died….and straight to Him we pray.

As you hold these candies in your hand and turn them you will see….

The  “M” becomes a “W,” a “3” and then an “E.”

“M” is for MAROON, which shows our Panther Pride…..

For our Marvelous Panther Family, and Christ who led the ride.

“E” is for the Excellence – And tonight we celebrate….

Our hard work and faithful hearts….on the turf beneath our feet.

The “3” is for our Panther team….led by God, family, and friends….

One team, One Heartbeat, One family….fills the Panther Stands.

“W” of course is “WHO” we are and “WHO” we have become.

Winners on AND off the field…..in the eyes of God, Dads, and Moms.

So, as you eat these candies, and enjoy this Panther treat;

Remember the true meaning of Panther Pride, and God’s gift to us so sweet. 

                                                                                         - t.baker

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November 7 - Pine Bluff "Conference Championship" Game.  We organized and distributed well over 1200 pieces of "mail"....letters and notes of encouragement for every player, cheerleader and dancer.  This was an overwhelming feat and we did it!  Again, you said yes.  You answered the call.  I've been told of the touching words, tears of joy, and wealth of emotion and support this project provided to our boys....who defeated Pine Bluff that very evening for the Conference Championship.

This is one of many....and what it's all about friends!  :) 

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This isn't everyone, of course....:)

Here we are....where we have to win the game to stay alive.....to keep playing.....just know this.  I love you.  Each and every one of you.  For coming to prayer each week to intercede on behalf our our children.  Not to try to influence God, but to change the nature of OUR hearts so that we can be a source of strength for this program God has placed us in.

To quote a BHS Student in a message earlier this season:

"Ms. Terri, I was scrolling through Facebook just now and came across y'all's Panther Mom Ministry page. I read most of the posts and saw some of the pictures and it absolutely made my heart SO happy. I wanted to thank you. For everything you've lead and done for our boys. that ministry is the best thing I have ever seen. thank y'all so much for praying for our sweet boys every game day and most likely more often than that. I pray for them on the bus to every game and as I'm walking out onto the field at home games, knowing He will hear me. To know that I'm not the only one doing it is such a blessing. I have gained so much love and respect for you in these past couple of years and that keeps on growing. See you Friday "

Thank you for filling gaps, and seeing needs where sometimes alone we would fall short.  Most of all thank you for your loving kindness.  For seeing the strength in numbers and for believing that together we can make a difference.  This letter/post isn't for "pats on the back" or accolades for all the goodness we have accomplished.  This group has never been about that.  But I want you to know what YOU have done.  I want us to grow.  I want to do this again next year...and the year after that.

Let us never forget to pray.  God lives.  He is near.  He is real.  He is not only aware of us but cares for us.  He is our Father.  He is accessible to all who will seek Him.

As the football season nears the end ....we are not done.  Our prayers will continue, this I know.  May God's richest blessings fall upon you all....forever.  As life takes us different places and into different seasons, I will never forget these moments with you.

In Him... Our hope was built!
Love and Blessings,
Terri