Coach's Reflection: Building Community and Sharing Life

Welcome to Keon’s Coaching Corner, where I take time to share insights, lessons, and reflections from my journey in sports, faith, and life. As I sit back to write this blog, I often wonder: Do people read these thoughts I pour onto the page? I’d like to think so, but I also know the reality—we’re constantly bombarded by emails, notifications, and endless distractions. (Side note: if anyone knows how to stop those daily “Cheapo Air” emails, let me know!)

I write these blogs because I believe in the power of sharing—sharing knowledge, experiences, and faith. I speak to you as a coach, a dad, a player, and a friend, hoping to inspire and build connections. Today, I want to reflect on something close to my heart: building community and sharing life.

A Lesson from Rising Stars Academy

At our recent mentorship session in the Rising Stars Academy, we focused on goal setting and time management. I asked the players to create vision boards—a simple exercise to map out their goals, dreams, and aspirations.

One young man came to the very next training session with his board in hand, beaming with excitement. He couldn’t wait to show me his vision of becoming an EMT. Watching his enthusiasm, I realized this was about so much more than football. It was about life, growth, and community.

In that moment, I reminded the group:

7 Ways to Build Community and Share Life

As we approach the holiday season, there’s no better time to reflect on how we can strengthen our communities and share the beautiful life God has gifted us. Here are seven ways to make an impact:

1. Be Present

   • Whether at home, in your team, or your church, being fully present creates trust and connection. Put down the phone, look people in the eye, and listen.

   • “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15, NIV)

2. Serve Others

   • Acts of service, big or small, build bonds and reflect God’s love. Volunteer at a shelter, help a neighbor, or offer your time to mentor someone.

   • “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.” (1 Peter 4:10, NIV)

3. Celebrate Together

   • Community thrives when we celebrate milestones, holidays, and achievements together. Host a holiday potluck or organize a team outing.

4. Encourage and Support

   • A kind word or a gesture of encouragement can mean the world. Show up for others, especially during tough times.

   • “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV)

5. Share Your Faith

   • Building community means sharing what strengthens you. Talk about your faith journey, invite someone to church, or simply pray with a friend.

   • “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”(Hebrews 10:25, NIV)

6. Create Traditions

   • Traditions, like gathering for a holiday game or reading the Christmas story as a family, strengthen bonds and create memories.

7. Give Generously

   • Giving isn’t just about material gifts; it’s about time, love, and care. During the holidays, find ways to give back—donate to a charity, buy gifts for those in need, or surprise someone with a simple act of kindness.

   • “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35, NIV)

A Season of Joy and Gratitude

As Christmas approaches, let’s focus on the joy of togetherness and the power of community. God has given us life not to live in isolation but to share His love and grace with others. Take time this holiday season to reflect on the blessings in your life and find ways to be a blessing to someone else.

Closing Message from Coach K

As we close out another year, I’m reminded of the beautiful truth in Philippians 2:4 (NIV):

To my players, parents, and the community we’re building together: thank you for sharing this journey with me. Let’s continue to lift one another up, chase our dreams, and grow in faith. The road ahead is brighter when we walk it together.

Merry Christmas and blessings to you and your family,

Coach Keon