Be That Boy

The first Sunday in August I was at an awards luncheon in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for the Christian Market Book Awards. While I’ve shared this with you via social media, there was an aspect of the afternoon I didn’t mention.

At a table in the center of the room sat a woman with her young son, a boy of perhaps ten. As the awards were presented, her name was called. She’d won. I don’t remember her name, the title of her book, or the award she received. What I do remember—and everyone who was in that room remembers—is when her name was announced her son hopped to his feet, started pumping his fists, and began jumping up and down. He led his mom as she went to the front of the room, cheering and jumping all the way, finally standing with her for her publicity photo.

At ten years old we all wear our enthusiasm (or dissatisfaction) on our sleeve, but even so, this boy was meeting a need. Every writer, musician, and artist needs someone to cheer for them. We all know someone who creates work that impacts us, and I can assure you, no matter how well known (or not) they may be, they need encouragement and support. So, set your inhibitions aside. Reach out to them, go to their event, or post to their social media. Cheer for them. Be that ten year old boy. He made an impact. So will you.