Win One for the Gipper
There’s a story told about George Gipp, an All-American football player coached by Knute Rockne. Gipp died young from what is presumed to be strep throat and pneumonia, in a time before antibiotics. Before he passed away, Gipp was reported to have told Rockne that in the future when the chance of winning seemed impossible, muster all you have and “Win one for the Gipper.”
Win One for Knute — and the Rest of Us
There’s power in a story, and also power in the voice of the people. And the more people, the more power they wield.
When Rockne perished in an aircraft accident in 1931, there was certainly a powerful public outcry. The plane’s wing broke apart in mid-flight and the aircraft plunged to the ground, killing all on board. An investigation determined that the wooden wing structure had deteriorated over time (from damage not detectable during standard inspection).
The public response was massive, and changes in regulations made flying safer. The accident also pushed the industry to hasten the move from wooden aircraft to metal structures.
The people who grieved that tragedy used their voices to benefit others.
They won one for Knute, for themselves, and for the rest of us.
Win One for the Rest of Us
We’re human, and it’s important to win personal triumphs such as a football game or a writing contest.
Beyond that, there are many issues that deserve an outcry — injustice, medical treatments for severe illnesses, and protecting the vulnerable, to name a few.
An issue important to me may not be important to someone else. And vice versa.
To make the world better in multiple ways, it takes each of us speaking up for the issues important to us.
So it’s vital that I focus on the issues dear to me, and work to win one for others.
My prayer for all of us is to ask God what He wants us to do, and for the power and ability (with His help) to win one for the rest of us.
What helps you work to help others?
Win One for the Rest of Us – What helps you work to help others? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
I think God’s Word more than anything else helps me “work to help others”. My selfish side would not do it. But when God tells me in His Word to do it, I try my best, with His help.
Thanks for reading and sharing what helps you, Jane. I appreciate your support.
An inspiring reminder to “win for the rest of us.” Your message encourages us to value the lives and contributions of others, and do all we can to support efforts to make this world a better place. The heroes you shared about weren’t looking for glory, but for ways to help others. Thank you, Joni, your message pulled me out of a pit.
Thank you so much for sharing, Katherine. I’m glad my post brightened your day and helped you.
Inspiring post, Joni! Thank you for sharing this wisdom!
Thanks, Kim. I’m grateful my post was helpful. I appreciate you reading and sharing.
Good thoughts, Joni
Thank you for reading and commenting, Phyllis. I hope my post was helpful.
Great post, Joni. Very encouraging.
I appreciate you reading, Tim. I’m grateful my post encouraged you.
All of us, as Christians, have to speak truth to false teaching, especially to the younger generation. Nothing could be more important in helping them.
Thanks for your perspective, Tim. I appreciate you reading.
Great lesson, Joni!
Thanks for reading and sharing, Barbara. I’m glad my post is helpful.