Gò0dNews for Everyone
Kicks and Kindness
“B
by Chad Van De Griek
e kind. For everyone you meet is fighting
of the supporters that was walking the aisles began making
a battle you know nothing about”—Ian
his way near me. He reaches out his hand and I assumed
Maclaren (Rev. John Watson).
that he was wanting a random high-five. However, as we
I was at a soccer match on a Saturday night in Nashville.
high-fived, he quickly grabbed my hand and began to pull
I was in the heart of the supporter’s section and the energy
me up to my feet to get me standing with everyone else!
was absolutely electric! The supporters are the dedicated
I was completely caught off guard by this! “No, no, no! I
group of fans who spend the entire match standing, singing,
can’t stand!” My initial panic and fear quickly turned to
cheering, chanting, and helping create such a memorable
laughter as he gently guided me back to my seat. As one
experience for everyone.
could imagine, he began to apologize profusely. I reassured him that everything was okay and that I found the situation to be incredibly funny! I couldn’t help but smile as I sat in my seat and continued to watch the match. It was such a funny moment that I am sure neither of us will forget for a long while. And, to be clear, I’m not mad, or even slightly frustrated with the supporter that wanted to see me standing. I know that he meant no harm! My chair was nowhere near me, so there was no way for him to know about my disability. He was just trying to help me have a fun and memorable time, and he certainly did that! As I think back on that interaction on that Saturday night, it makes me smile. But it also makes me think. The thought that someone could’ve looked
Before I continue, it’s important to set the stage.
at me and not known that I was disabled is incredibly
There are a few people in front of the supporter’s section
intriguing to me! As I meditated on this idea, the quote that
that are leading the group in the songs, chants, and
I emphasized back at the beginning popped into my head.
cheers throughout the match. On top of that, there were
The truth is that we’re all fighting battles that most people
supporters that would walk up and down the aisles to relay
will never get to see. We never truly know how much pain
communication from the leaders in the front to everyone
someone is in or how much effort it took to get out of bed
throughout the section. It’s also important to reiterate
that morning. And just like me sitting at the soccer match,
that everyone in the supporter’s section seemed to be
some people don’t look like the fight that they’ve been in or
standing. Well…not everyone. I, obviously, was seated. My
are presently going through. That is why we should always
wheelchair was at the top of the section and I had gotten out
do our best to be kind and be gracious to those around us. I
of my chair, scooted down the stairs, and eventually got to
believe that it is our kindness and our reflection of Christ’s
the seats that my friends were sitting in.
love that truly makes an impact on people.
match was past the halfway mark and it is at this point in the night where our adventure takes a comedic turn. One
28 // January 2022
About The Author
With all of this in mind, let’s get back to the story. The Chad Van De Griek lives in Nashville, TN! He loves Jesus, hockey (Go Preds), and is a big Bible nerd. Chad was born with Cerebral Palsy and is very passionate about using his writing as a way to show God’s love to everyone! You can find more of his writing at chadvandegriek.wordpress.com.
