Well, it’s all over for the Loyola-Chicago “Midnight” Ramblers basketball team.  The Big Blue of Michigan were too much for them in the second half and will be moving on to the Big Game tonight.  But what a run for the Ramblers!  And what a run for “Sister Jean”!

By now, most of America has been swept up in “Sister Jean”-mania.  And who can blame us?

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the loveable, 98-year old nun and team chaplain of the Loyola-Chicago Ramblers basketball team, has become a  media darling over the last two weeks.  Her knowledge of the game, her gentile demeanor, and her quick-witted responses (When asked by a reporter what she was giving up for Lent, she deadpanned, “Losing!”) has made her a mega YouTube and Twitter sensation.

But her “instant” fame was born from years of dedication to a basketball program that has not made the NCAA Tournament since 1985.  She has been a huge fan since long before Loyola’s first and only NCAA Championship in 1963.  And she has counseled hundreds of players since becoming team chaplain in 1994.

In addition, Sister Jean attends all types of sporting events (women’s basketball, soccer, track, etc.) and offers the same level of encouragement to all the athletes. She demonstrated incredible loyalty and individual care long before the national spotlight ever shone on the Ramblers.  That is the type of person  you want in your corner!

Had Loyola-Chicago not beaten Miami on a beautiful buzzer-beater to start the tournament, most of the world would never have heard of Sister Jean.  But she would have been no less a hero in her corner of the world.  Already generations of Loyola-Chicago and Mundelein College (where she taught for over 30 years) players and students  have been impacted by her genuine concern, loyalty, and fire.  And isn’t that what it’s all about?

The most impactful moments happen far away from the spotlight and hype.  The most influential and inspiring people support their team when no one is watching.  There are thousands of “Sister Jeans” out there.  Some are well-known and famous. Some are  toiling away in obscurity.   But they are all heroes.

Lives Change Away From the Spotlight

What about the Junior Varsity Coaches who spend hours strategizing and molding their players into future athletes?  There are no press conferences and headlines for them.  Outside of the immediate team, few people care.  But there are small groups of players and parents who are forever impacted by their dedication and loyalty.

Or the manager who constantly offers encouragement to team members in their moment of doubt?  They may never hear feedback on how much those words matter.  They may never receive recognition or a promotion from senior management.  But they are changing lives through their relentless positivity.

Or the teacher who fights off negativity and sees the promise in even the most challenging student?  The world will not throw them a ticker-tape parade.  The students may not even show them appreciation.  But they are making a difference.  They are changing lives away from the spotlight!

Who Are the Heroes in Our Personal Lives?

And there are “Sister Jeans”  everywhere in our personal lives.  The parent who understands and defends their child when the world has turned its back. The spouse who never gives up on their partner even in turbulent times.  The friend who offers unconditional support in our loneliest moments.

These are the qualities that forge lasting bonds.  These are the qualities that change lives.  These are the qualities that make them heroes.  These are the qualities that would make Sister Jean proud!

We Can Fuel the Resilience in Others

We all face crises.  We all face difficult moments.  We can’t always get through it alone.  But these everyday heroes can fuel our own resiliency!

If even one person cares, it is easier for us to get back on track.  If even one person gives us encouragement, it gives us the strength to move forward.  If even one person demonstrates loyalty, we can muster the resilience we need to reach our potential.

Caring actions and genuine concern have a cascading impact on our corner of the world.  Why hold it in?  Why not share the enthusiasm and support with those closest to us?  Why not be part of the resilient movement?

Changing the World Starts Locally

Sister Jean did not need a couple improbable wins in March Madness to change the world.  She was already a hero to thousands of players and students in her own community.

But thank goodness her legacy has exploded onto the national and international stage.  Hers is a great story of dedication, loyalty, and faith.  But it also highlights the  countless heroes demonstrating similar care and compassion in their smaller corners of the world.

We all have that same ability inside us.  We all have the potential to make a difference.  We all have the opportunity to fuel resilience inside others.

Sister Jean will now leave the national stage and settle back into her routine in Chicago.  Good for her.

And good for all the “Sister Jeans” making this world a better place.

Until next week, keep smiling!