When I was growing up, Don Meredith was a famous quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. After his football career, he became an icon as a commentator on the original Monday Night Football telecasts.
I saw an interview with his Mt. Vernon (Texas) High School coach that I found touching. Don was “Mister Everything” in high school in the 1950s. He was an exceptional student, a fantastic athlete, president of his class, popular, and the most loved individual in the student body. He was also sensitive to others’ needs.
Don’s coach, Robby Campbell, told of a life-changing incident for a female classmate. This girl was from the country and rode the bus into town every day to attend school. She was different from most of the student body, who were much more sophisticated and knowledgeable. Because of that, she typically ate alone during lunch in the school cafeteria—away from the other young people.
One day, Don was eating lunch with his buddies when he noticed this girl eating alone at her own table. Without a second thought Don picked up his plate, took it to her table, and sat down across from her. He reached out to her and got to know her. Don had charisma, so several of his buddies joined him at this table as he introduced them to his new friend.
Coach Campbell said this was a turning point in this young woman’s life. Don’s simple act of reaching out and befriending her gave her a status she had not experienced. It helped draw her out of her shell. This transformative experience led to a successful high school experience for the “country girl.” It paved the way for a productive life.
What an example for those of us who are Christians who are called to be salt and light in this world! By becoming interested in others and showing the courage to reach out to them, we can infiltrate a decaying culture. This is one of the things Jesus preached in the Sermon on the Mount, Matt. 5:13-16.
Be thoughtful of others. It’s often the small acts of kindness, like Don’s, that can have the biggest impact. Who knows, maybe a simple smile or a kind word can help change the course of someone’s life as well. We all have the power to make a difference.
I’m Mark Edge; thanks for reading.
You can purchase Mark’s new book Holy Chaos How To Walk with God in a Frenzied World here: