My family and I love to go to the baseball games at Angel stadium in the summer.  It is relaxing and a fun way to spend an evening together.

      As you know, every game begins with the singing of our national anthem.  I never get tired of hearing those words and often I try to sing along.

      It is amazing to see and hear some of the children and teens who are asked to sing.  I think a couple of the singers are under ten years old!

      I can’t imagine singing in front of a stadium filled with 30,000 or 40,000 people.  I don’t know how they do it.

      I recently read a story about a 13 year old girl, Natalie Gilbert, who was picked to sing the national anthem at one of the basketball playoff games in Portland in 2003.  As the teenager began to sing in front of the packed arena, she stumbled and seemed to forget the words.  What could she do now?

      The unexpected solution came from the head coach of the Portland team.  He literally stepped up next to her, put his arm around her and began singing with her.  The crowd joined in and together they helped this brave teen finish the national anthem!

      I smile ever time I read that!  What a beautiful moment. 

      There are a number of verses in the Bible that remind us to “encourage one another, help one another and bear one another burdens”.  Each of us has a God-given responsibility to come along side and help those in need.  Your timely help can make all the difference in the world.

      I hope that you will watch for an opportunity to come to someone’s aid this week.  Be ready to respond when see a child, teen or adult that needs a helping hand or a word of encouragement.  Remember the example of the Portland coach that came to the aid of a brave teenager who forgot the words in front of thousands of basketball fans.  It is a moment worth remembering!