Advocate

 

Advocate – a person who recommends or supports

 

Jose Altuve grew up in Maracay, Venezuela.  When he was seven, he met and competed with Salvador Perez, who later became a catcher for the Kansas City Royals.  In 2007, at the age of 16, Altuve attended a Houston Astros’ tryout camp in his hometown.  Since he was small in stature, the scouts assumed he lied about his age and told him he was too short to play and wouldn’t even let him on the field.  The next day, with his father’s blessing, Altuve went back to the camp and showed the recruiters his birth certificate.  Astros special assistant Al Pedrique took an interest in Altuve.  He asked Jose if he could play.  Altuve responded with, “I’ll show you.”  Pedrique then went to bat for him and persuaded the front office and other scouts to give Jose a chance.  After being evaluated and convincing the officials, Altuve was signed and given a $15,000 contract.  On July 19, 2011, Jose Altuve was promoted to the major leagues.

 

Seven-year-old Gillian had trouble sitting still in school.  She would constantly get up, walk around, be distracted, and not complete lessons.  The few times she was able to be still, the teacher rewarded her.  Gillian would be in trouble at school and then be punished again when she arrived at home.  The school personnel called for a conference with Gillian’s mother.  The teachers agreed that there must be some kind of disorder, like hyperactivity, that could possibly be helped with medication.  An older teacher, who knew Gillian well, arrived.  After hearing the conversation, he asked the participants to walk to a room where they could observe Gillian without her seeing them.  As the teacher goes into the room, where the young girl is waiting, he turns on music and says he will be back soon.  The adults watch as Gillian begins to leap and move around the room.  The older man then states, “See?  Gillian is not sick; Gillian is a dancer!”  He then suggests that her mother take her to a dance class and that the teachers allow her to dance at times.  After a career as a dancer, receiving international recognition, and opening her own dance studio, in 1981, Gillian Lynne became the choreographer for the musical “Cats.”

 

Jesus knew that once he ascended into heaven, we, too, would need an advocate to teach us, help us, and be with us forever.  He asked his Father to provide one for us so we, too, can become who God created us to be.

 

May we be quick to look for, encourage, invest in, and celebrate the gifts and talents God has given others.

 

 

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”

John 14:16-17

 

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

John 15:16

 

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send from the Father – the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father – he will testify about me.

John 15:26