For Character

A Quiz on What Really Counts

The quiz: 

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do? 

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? 

The lesson:  The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.

They are the ones that care.

One of my favorite stories is about an NBA basketball coach who truly demonstrated that he cared about someone else.  Here is the story of Mo Cheeks and how he took a risk to show thousands of fans that he cared.

Before the third playoff game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Rose Garden on April 25, 2003, the national anthem singer needed a little help.

Natalie Gilbert is a 13-year-old eighth grader from Lake Oswego, Oregon who won the chance to sing the anthem during the first playoff home game through the Toyota "Get the Feeling of a Star" promotion with the Blazers. Gilbert performed in front of judges and the Rose Garden crowd on three occasions, making it to the finals for the contest.

Having won the contest, Gilbert took center court to sing in front of the crowd. Even though she had the flu and had spent the whole day in bed, she was determined to give it her best.

Gilbert, who performed the song perfectly in the locker room before the game, as well as the other times she's sung for the team, forgot the words to the anthem.

Coach Maurice Cheeks joined Gilbert courtside to help her sing, and the crowd soon joined in to help the struggling singer.

"He totally saved me, I couldn't even remember the words. I tried to start over again, but the words wouldn't come," said Gilbert. "I was walking off afterward and he said to me 'Don't worry kid, everyone has a bad game once in awhile.'

If you have Media Player installed, pass your mouse over the American flag.

CNN interview with Mo Cheeks and Natalie Gilbert.