I am writing this blog the morning after one of our former players and her son lost their husband and daddy in a car accident. Last year, we stood with a former player moments after she watched her father pass away. We’ve also had former players lose their precious babies to miscarriage.
As a coach’s wife, we are present for the fun times: the winning shots, the home runs, and the trips to the state tournament. But as we go, we also earn the sacred privilege and duty of also being present in the days of heartbreak.
The long hours we put in to run a concession stand or wait for the coach to finish practice are not in vain; those hours earn us the trust of our athletes and their families.
As we share our family with our athletes, they, in turn, invite us to be a part of their lives. We get to see them all dressed up for prom, celebrate their birthdays, watch their eyes tear up at graduation, and maybe even watch them get a medal put around their neck a time or two.
But the ultimate purpose of our calling is to stand in the gap for our girls when they need us most, to lead them to the feet of Jesus.
Our girls need us to play a multitude of roles in their lives. Some may need a bonus momma to curl their hair for homecoming, some may feel a sense of belonging by being a big sister to our kiddos, some may need meal money on tournament weekends, and unfortunately, some may need us in the face of unimaginable heartache.
I’ve learned I will never have the right words or actions to take away the pain our girls are facing during the loss of a family member, a divorce, or another time of heartache, but I know the One who brings ultimate peace and comfort.
As my husband and I prepare to visit a player in a time of need, I pray and ask God to give me the words He wants to be spoken. I ask Him to give me strength and wisdom because it is a great responsibility to stand beside someone who is hurting.
The job of standing in the gap is a job I will never take lightly. I am not a scholar or a knower of many things, but I have learned that many times, the most powerful thing you can do for someone is to simply show up. Showing up reminds those we love that although they might be facing deep sorrow, they aren’t going through it alone.
The Bible says that we are to share each other’s burdens. We can’t take away the pain others feel, but we can help them carry it. Sometimes people ask where God is during hard times. I think during hard times, God sends His love through His people. As we care for people, they can feel the tangible love and comfort of Jesus.
Coach’s wives, as we put in long stressful hours, we are granted a very special and unique position in which we are able to minister to girls (or young men) in their darkest days.
May God bless each one of you as you continue to serve Him in a mighty way.