(Part 9) Star Power Upload: (Old-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

NFL Linebacker Ray Lewis plays with the heart of a lion. This off-season he showed he’s got a heart of gold. Lewis connected with La’Shaun Armstrong during his family loss. Armstrong’s mother drowned herself and three kids in the Hudson River. Lewis says he’s got Armstrong’s back with mentoring for life.

When the news first broke Lewis felt he had to do something. His actions were like that seen in a life-saver relationship. He reached out to Armstrong as soon as he heard about the tragedy. Lewis plans to be there for Armstrong with the friendship that comes from having a ‘big brother.’

This story so moved Lewis and others that they quickly planned a black-tie fundraiser. The honored guests were Armstrong and his Grandmother. Lewis pledged dollars from his foundation for La’Shaun’s education. Oftentimes, mentoring is about practicing the stewardship of your time, talent and money.

Armstrong’s not sure if he wants to play pro football when he grows up. He’s being encouraged to take things one day at a time. During tough times one can either shrink like a violet or bloom like a rose. The choice you make to upload your star status will depend on the leadership steps you take. 

Lewis can do for Armstrong what Tony Dungy has done for Michael Vick. When setbacks or panic attacks hit, there may be some downtime in between time. Mentors, role models and sidekicks are reminders that it’s not over unless you quit and rollover. The right attitude of gratitude will cause a shift in your altitude.

(Part 9) Star Power Upload: (New-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

Ray Lewis plays Linebacker like a lion. That’s his way on the gridiron. This off-season showing his heart of gold. Connecting with La’Shaun Armstrong when life went cold. His mother drowned herself and family in the Hudson River. Lewis promised him mentoring to last from now and forever.

He felt he had to do something. To keep Armstrong from crying. Taking action like that of a life-saver. Reaching out to him to provide some cover. He plans to be there as a ‘big brother’ head on. Sticking close to Armstrong even though Mom’s dead and gone.

Some were moved to organize. A black-tie fundraiser and grand prize. With honored guests Armstrong and his Grandmother. Ray serving as ‘father figure.’ Pledging dollars from his foundation. For Armstrong’s long-term education. Giving time, talent and money in stewardship. Mentoring him towards a scholarship.

Armstrong’s not sure about a football career. He’s glad to just have Lewis’ ear. Taking things one day at a time. Making sure he doesn’t succumb to crime. Shrink like a violet or bloom like a rose? During tough times it’s a matter of staying on your toes. To upload your star status means leadership’s not closed.

Lewis can do from Armstrong. What Tony Dungy did for Vick who’s back strong. When setbacks or panic attacks hit. Mentors can help you stay fit. By having the right attitude of gratitude. That’ll cause a shift in your altitude. Reminding you that it’s not over until it’s over. Or unless you quit and rollover.     

Tip: Mentors can help us make the shift in attitude when setbacks or panic attacks threaten our altitude.

Talkback: How have Michael Vick or Ray Lewis been an influence or made an impact in everyday life?