Going for the two-pointer



A friend posted the cutest video on FB the other day.

A little boy and a little girl, probably age 3 or 4, were shooting baskets at a hoop probably designed for 5-year-olds.

The little girl’s shot and missed, and it broke her heart. She stood there crying. The heroic little boy not only hugged and consoled her, but handed her the basketball again. This time, he hoisted her to a level where she could make the basket. The resulting smiles were precious!

This poignant video, which lasted only 30 seconds, was shared by the sister of a prisoner whom I loved…now deceased. It arrived the day before my 82nd birthday, and it prompted some somber thoughts.

I encourage you to take a minute to watch it. It’ll make your day. Perhaps you’ve seen it already. Over 5 million hits, I’m told!

Maybe this is a stretch, but here’s the parallel I see.

The little girl represents many men and women behind bars in Michigan, as well as their families and loved ones. Life isn’t easy for them. They keep trying to make a basket. Some are still trying. Others have given up and stand weeping, much like the sad little girl after missing her shot.

Then along comes HFP. We try to do exactly the same thing that little guy modeled for us: Give the poor child some hope for the next time. He held her hand. He hugged her. He gave her encouraging words. Then, God bless him, he placed the basketball in her hands, and lifted her up so she could make the basket. That is our goal. That is our hope…our wish.

I’m not saying that we always accomplish the last step. I’m afraid the “two-pointer” is much more elusive for us than it was for the little kids.

But we try to lift them up, and I’ve gotta tellya…we get a lot of the same smiles!

And we’re rewarded with the same good feeling that you’ll experience when you view that little scene.

My dear friend and fine gospel singer, the late Alma Perry, used to sing:

If I can help somebody, as I pass along
If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song
If I can show somebody, that he's traveling wrong
Then my living shall not be in vain



Comments

Bob Bulten said…
What a great analogy, Doug. The video was precious beyond words and to see HFPs work exemplified in it is marvelous. Thanks.
November 13, 2018 at 5:09 AM
Tah said…
This did brighten my day, Doug! Thank you!!!
November 13, 2018 at 8:47 AM
Revjoy said…
Nice, Doug! Nothing too hard for an 80 year old! The analogy is beautiful.
November 16, 2018 at 2:29 PM
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