“I believe in belief!”

“So, I’ve been hearing this phrase y’all got over here [in England] that I ain’t too crazy about. ‘It’s the hope that kills you.’ Y’all know that? I disagree, you know? I think it’s the lack of hope that comes and gets you. See, I believe in hope. I believe in belief.”

– Ted Lasso

My wife and I have recently gotten on the Ted Lasso train, and we sure are enjoying the ride! For those of you who haven’t watched the Apple TV+ exclusive show (fair warning: there is a LOT of rough language and some overtly sexual situations – although without nudity), Ted Lasso is an American college football head coach who is hired to coach a football (soccer) club in London. Despite a barrage of sabotage, doubt, ridicule, and mockery coming at him from pretty much all sides… his unsinkable spirit remains delightfully buoyant. Coach Lasso maintains three tremendous character qualities that have placed him in a truly beloved place in the hearts of a huge following of fans:

1. He believes things will work out somehow, if it is something that matters, and there remain a group of people who keep believing and working.
2. He sees the best in people. And continually finds ways to speak encouragement into their spirits to help them become their very best.
3. Even with his delightful bent toward optimism, he manages to shoot straight with everyone – all the time. He is disarmingly and almost shockingly honest with the people around him.

As you make your way through this Christmastime and head toward the New Year, I hope you’ll consider working on these three qualities in your own life. I can’t think of too many ways to grow that would be better than Faith, Encouragement, and Honesty. Even if it gets you jeered by the bitter masses. You might just improve the world around you. I say we give it a shot! Together!