The Cheerleading Faux Pas

The Cheerleading Faux Pas

Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

It wasn’t my idea. But when the sophomore cheerleader in charge of our small squad told my freshman friend and me that she wanted us all to pair two layers of tight white tank tops with our skirts instead of wearing our regular cheerleading uniform, I didn’t say no.

Which is how I found myself, a few short minutes later, facing the stern reprimand of a woman from my church who was seated in the crowded gymnasium.

“These outfits are not professional,” she said firmly, pulling us to the side of the bleachers and telling us in no uncertain terms to get back into our regular uniforms. Shamefaced and not a little embarrassed, we did as she asked and quickly returned to an otherwise uneventful evening. When I saw her at church that weekend and at future basketball games, she never brought up the faux pas again.

Proverbs reminds us that the people we choose to spend time with will rub off on us, influencing us in positive and negative ways. I was usually a Goody Two-shoes, but in this instance, I had ignored good sense. With the wisdom of hindsight, I can see how our outfits must have appeared to the woman from my church, and why it was inappropriate to alter our clothing without seeking the input of our advisor or another adult. Standing front and center in the gymnasium, or even along the edges, we were still ambassadors of our school and the student body, and we needed to dress as such.

That encounter is still a reminder to me, even now, to be cautious in my friendships. Following the path of “there’s nothing wrong with it” can lead us further and further down the road to ruin if we aren’t careful. As a mom to three daughters now, I’m grateful that the woman intervened and encouraged me to make a better choice. Let us intentionally foster friendships with those who lift us up and encourage us to be a better version of ourselves. Just as I was an ambassador for my school in my days spent cheerleading, we are called to be ambassadors for Jesus through our actions and reflect the love, grace, and mercy he demonstrated.

— Kristin

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Analyze your friendships to consider whether you have a friend who is nudging you toward bad choices.