Several weeks ago on a cool Friday night, I sat with fellow home school moms as we watched our boys play football under the bright lights of a high school stadium in Fort Worth. This was our family's first year to play tackle football, and to be honest, I had mixed emotions about my boys being involved in the sport. Of course there were bulky pads, a protective helmet, and lessons in proper ways to tackle, but I was mainly concerned about what they would learn about themselves as men. Would their hearts change as they walked onto the field before each game? Would their self worth become tangled in a dropped pass or a missed tackle? Would they continue to strive for a path toward Christ that was strewn with humility and grace?

Being a new team often means that players are learning to play the game but also learning to play with each other. Not having won a single game all season, we entered the stadium that night cautiously optimistic, encouraging our boys to play with heart, play hard, and not to give up. Leading at halftime, we were excited but still cautious. Our cheers turned from, "That's OK; keep going!" and, "Looking good, Wind!" to, "Keep your head in the game!" As the third quarter began, with a score of 34 to 8, it was apparent we would claim the victory, resulting in a true test of humility and good sportsmanship. All the questions I had at the beginning of the season would now be put to the test. Would they boast and celebrate as the end drew near, or would they accept the outcome with grace? Barely audible was the answer to my prayer: A soft encouragement among our players began in the huddle and carried over onto the line, "Play intense; stay humble, guys. C'mon we can do it." In one line, they had embodied an encouragement for us all.

In a few days, time will run out on a very important "scoreboard": our 2012 presidential election. As leaders, parents, and Christians, we have a responsibility to vote according to our beliefs and desires for the continued development of our country. No longer do we have the luxury of voting simply based on economy or taxes, but the foundation of our country is at stake. Vote, and vote wisely. This month's featured article from Mike King,"Leadership: Humility," will help us center our leadership style on humility. Also in this month's letter you will find a link to the THSC Voter Guide.

Regardless of the outcome on November 6, remember that we ultimately follow God's authority. He places people in positions of leadership and removes them when He is ready. Our job is to vote for leaders who follow God's commands. Not every party is perfect, nor is every leader, but as Christians and leaders ourselves, we should all play intense and stay humble.

Social Waters 

September's Question: Although I appreciate all the fresh ideas from our new board members, how do I let them know that we have already tried many of those things and they didn't work while still acknowledging how much I appreciate their effort and input?

Answer: Asking someone to lead or organize an aspect of your support group will give them the encouragement they need to expand their horizons and try new things. Being open to those ideas is an aspect of leadership that is crucial. At our State Leadership Conference in October, Allen Tappe shared that he disagreed with the idea that doing the same things over and over will provide the same result. The reality is that surroundings, people, needs, and situations change over time. Simply because an activity wasn't well received a few years ago doesn't meant that it won't be received differently now. Explain with detail the approach you took last time the idea was looked at and why the group decided not to continue the offering. Be certain you share how much you appreciate the thought that went into the presentation or planning, and then be open to allowing the board member or coordinator to give it another try.

Give a Helping Hand

Do you have any single-parent families in your group? If so, we would like to bless them with a copy of the 2011-2012 THSC Handbook for Texas Home Schoolers. Requesting your copies is easy. Simply email leaders@thsc.org the number of copies you need, and be certain to include a physical mailing address.

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one."  - Mother Teresa

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