It was standing room only at Boerne Middle School North last week for the 7th grade Academic Awards Program. Our family arrived just in time to find a spot along the back wall to cheer on our favorite 7th grader. The program was well underway when the most breath taking moment brought every single person in attendance to their feet applauding and cheering for two very well deserved students, and it all started with one brave young boy who was unashamed to stand.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11

It was the part in the program where the teachers were handing out the Outstanding Students of the Year for their classroom. Many of the names that were called were familiar as this had been the students’ third or fourth time to be called up to the stage. Things were going as planned, the same mundane handclaps as the names were called, until one of the boy’s down front in the middle stood to his feet clapping with his hands above his head. He even gave a shout of recognition. My immediate thoughts were it must be his girlfriend…how sweet. No one else stood with him. He stood alone. He took his seat when the next name was called for the same teacher. He immediately stood again with the same shout with clapping above his head in adoration, but this time other peers began to stand and then even more joined them. Soon the adults began standing too. Everyone was to their feet. The boy was not standing for a girlfriend. He was standing for two students with special needs that had not had their names called all night. As the teacher helped the young boy with autism back down the stairs you could see his excitement in his eyes seeing the entire audience standing for him. My eyes filled with tears.

In that moment we were all unified. Looking around the room, no one was concerned about their circumstances that surrounded them. No one was thinking about their political persuasions, their religious beliefs or lack thereof. No one cared about the color of their skin. In fact no one was thinking of themselves, but rather focusing on those two precious students that deserved to be cheered on.

When we encourage each other there is hope. When we encourage each other there is love. When we encourage each other life is beautiful. Oh sweet friends, may we encourage one another.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25

After we got home that evening, I asked my daughter about the boy who stood in applause. I wanted to know who he was, and I also wanted her to know that his bravery to stand started a movement of love. It was powerful. She looked at me with her beautiful green eyes and said, “Mom, that boy was the teacher’s son.” You guys, tears swelled again. This boy knew his momma’s heart. He watched her day in and day out pour out her love to these very special students. He, himself, had fallen in love with them by watching his momma do what she does best, LOVE. This is how love never fails. Our babies are watching us. They are learning from us in how to treat others. What are you teaching your children? It’s not so much in what we say, but in what we do. I hope this inspires you as much it did me. I will never forget this evening. It was not because of the academic award my daughter and others received, but because of this one boy who stood. Be the one to STAND! Love well sweet friends. #arise #go #stand #gloryup