Over the years I have been blessed with many people who made a difference in my life. Recently one of those persons came to mind.

Almost forty years ago I was hired as the new television director for the Texas Rangers. Don’t ask me how. Based on my experience it was the equivalent of calling up a player from the lowest level rookie league to start in the major leagues. To say I was scared and lacking confidence would not begin to express my feelings. I had no credibility in the baseball world and just a smidgen more in the television world.

I had no idea how fortunate I would be to work with announcers Steve Busby and Merle Harmon. Steve Busby became and remains a dear friend. He patiently taught me baseball at a much higher level through the eyes of a major league star. But it took me longer to fully comprehend what Merle Harmon did for me.

Merle had a storied broadcast career and he was an amazing announcing talent.

But the most memorable thing about Merle was his kindness toward others. When he found out this “kid” was directing his broadcasts he didn’t condescendingly tell me what to do. He may have sensed my inner fear but I suspect he was just being himself when he took me under his wing. Merle became my advocate around the league. He walked beside me into clubhouses and press boxes all over the country. Merle would introduce me and tell each person that I was his partner and I had his blessing. His credibility was gifted to me and it made a difference both in how I was received and my confidence to do the job.

I will be forever grateful to Merle Harmon for making the effort to make me feel comfortable and telling others about his confidence in me.

Merle’s impact in my life came to mind as I read a Scripture verse about another Advocate that we have as Christians. Paul writes about a fear that most of us have likely felt as followers of Jesus. I know that I have. The voices in my head say things like this.

You are falling short.
You are not doing enough.
How can God still love a mess like you?

In those moments of doubt I try to remember that I have an Advocate that not only paid the price for my sin but also constantly defends me.

Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. (Romans 8:34, NLT)

The phrasing in The Message is really fun.

The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! (The Message)

Jesus is sticking up for you and me. When the Enemy accuses us he often has a strong case. But our Advocate says it doesn’t matter. That child is mine and you can’t have them.

Your grace challenge for this week. Be an advocate for someone who needs encouragement, support, and love. And when you are feeling like you are not enough try to focus that you have the greatest Advocate you could ever imagine.

Jesus.

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. (1 John 2:1, NLT)

Another amazing gift of grace and a great thing to remember in this upside down world.