This past week, we enjoyed an unforgettable program as Mike Linch took the mic and brought his A-game—not just in delivery, but in heart. His message was simple yet profoundly moving: encouragement matters. Our words and actions carry the power to lift others higher than they imagined possible—or to weigh them down without us even realizing it. Mike reminded us that a well-timed “You can do this” or “I believe in you” can change the course of someone’s day—or even their life. True to form, he didn’t just tell us to be encouragers; he encouraged us in the process. It was a powerful reminder that kindness and belief in others are forms of leadership everyone can practice.

At my first meeting, I quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Mike’s words inspired us to live that out—challenging us to be more mindful in how we speak into the lives around us, and stirring us to take meaningful action. The power of encouragement lies not just in what we say, but in the way we choose to live each day. Emerson also said, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” So I encourage each of you to decide today to be that encouraging voice for someone who needs it.

This week, our podium welcomes someone who knows a thing or two about encouragement and making a difference—1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel. From leading the Florida Gators to national glory, to the NFL, and on to his enduring work through Desire Street Ministries, Danny has shown that true greatness is measured by what you give, not just what you win.

Now, back in 1995, when I was a sophomore frat boy at UGA, Danny Wuerffel came to Athens with his orange and blue and didn’t just beat my Bulldogs—he turned Sanford Stadium into his personal highlight reel.  As “The Ol’ Ball Coach” famously put it, the Gators “hung half a hundred” on us. The five touchdowns Danny threw, before the end of the third quarter I might add (ugh), still live in the hearts (and nightmares) of Dawg Nation. But as big as that performance was, it pales in comparison to the impact Danny has made off the field—changing lives in under-resourced neighborhoods and inspiring young people to reach for more. Muhammad Ali once said, “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” Danny lives that every day.

Expect Danny to challenge us in that same spirit, reminding us that a meaningful life comes from intentional choices—whether it’s leading a team, serving a community, or inspiring the person right in front of you. And if history is any indication, we might get a few locker-room laughs along the way—hopefully not at my Bulldogs’ expense this time.

SO, from Mike’s heartfelt plea for uplifting to Danny’s example of leadership and service, one theme rings clear: encouragement fuels achievement. Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi said it best: “Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.” Our challenge as Rotarians—and as human beings—is to spread the former like wildfire.

Let’s come ready next week—not just to hear a great speaker, but to leave with a renewed commitment to be that source of confidence for others. Because sometimes the most powerful way to encourage someone is to simply live in a way that says, “You matter, and I believe in you.”

Sic Vos Non Vobis, 

Trummie Lee Patrick III
State Farm Insurance