Quote

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
- Helen Keller

Real Life

Althea Gibson was an American tennis player who dominated women’s competition in the late 1950s. She was the first Black player to win the French (1956), Wimbledon (1957-58), and U.S. Open (1957-58) singles championships.

She grew up in Harlem, learning paddle tennis on the streets. Though she had champion potential, her rise in tennis was shaped by those who believed in her. Buddy Walker welcomed her into The Cosmopolitan Club, where coach Fred Johnson introduced her to the game of tennis. From there, the American Tennis Association gave her the platform to grow and compete.

Gibson didn’t fit the typical tennis mold, she was more at home on the streets than in country clubs. But God placed people in her life who gave her lessons in both tennis and life: carrying herself with confidence, dealing with racism, and how to show up with grace. With their support, she trained, competed across the segregated South, finished high school, and earned a degree from Florida A&M University at age 27.

Gibson’s story reminds us that success is rarely a solo journey. Her rise was shaped by mentors, coaches, and friends who believed in her. When she lifted the Wimbledon trophy, she stood on the shoulders of many. The same is true for us. While our culture celebrates the “self-made” person, the gospel tells us we’re saved by grace and strengthened through community. As Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 says, “Two are better than one…if either of them falls, one can help the other up.”

Take a moment to think: Who has God placed in your life to walk alongside you? Who has offered support, encouragement, or a word when you needed it most? Have you thanked them? Have you thanked God for them? And just as others have lifted you, who might God be calling you to lift up right now? Sometimes we’re the ones needing a hand, and other times, we’re the ones reaching out.

We’re not made to go it alone. We’re wired for connection. We grow, learn, and face challenges more effectively when we’re walking alongside others, instead of trying to do it all by ourselves.

Bible Verse

Two are better than one…if either of them falls, one can help the other up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Prayer

Lord, thank you for placing people in my life who can encourage and support me. Prepare these people for me, make them known, and help me to reach out to them and trust them.

Author: Michaela Jameson   |   Content Editor: Phil Pawley