Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

This Budweiser commercial portrays how I think the “Great Cloud of Witnesses” could make us feel. We are battle worn and weary from the life of faith. We are entering the stadium, tired and maybe ready to give up. And then the crowd goes crazy seeing us. We get our second win and run the race as if we were going to win it. We manage to finish well.

It is amazing what encouragement can do for people.

I know I’m a dreamer. I know that this doesn’t happen all the time in the world in which we live. We are more likely to gather to protest something or someone rather than get together and celebrate. Sure, we get together and celebrate a World Series or Super Bowl Champion, but I’m talking about the little noticed events of life.

What would happen if we decided that the world around us could use a little bit of celebration and recognition? What if we decided to find those little known, out of the way, almost invisible places where people work and play and made it special, even for just one game or one moment.

What if we decided to draw attention to the unnoticed and unseen and shine a great big light of encouragement and celebrity for that time?

What if we said, “I see you and I am so proud of you. You are special.” to people that might go their whole life without any recognition ever?

I think it might make a difference.

What are some of the ways we can celebrate the little seen and often unnoticed things of life?

My friend, Sharon, has a ministry to people in the adult entertainment industry in the Toledo area. Here is her website: Free 2 Be Me

You could throw a party for a prostitute. I’ve posted this story before, it is worth another viewing.

A former classmate in my MA program started this ministry: Crippled Jesus

Sanctuary in Toronto, Canada is an example of this:

There is Homeboy Industries. They “assists at-risk and formerly gang involved youth to
become positive and contributing members of society through job placement, training and education.”

How can we put skin on the Gospel and make it real to people?

What are your ideas?

2 Timothy 4.7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.