“Night to Shine” now has its own music video with highlights of the proms held worldwide, and lyrics sung by Gary LeVox from Rascal Flats in a celebration of this special night that honors those with special needs. They each become king or queen for the night — they are the stars.
Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, “Night to Shine” 2017 was held in more than 375 host churches in all 50 states, and in 22 countries, and by 22 religious denominations, an event that continues to grow.
Each guest is given a crown for their prom, entering on a red carpeted as they are cheered by friends and family for their night to shine. They are presented with corsages and boutonnieres and, once inside, each is helped with hair and makeup, with shoe shining stations and karaoke and the dance.
Tim Tebow began “Night to Shine” because he wanted to be sure those with special needs felt important and loved, and to let them know there is a God who loves them. That’s what “Night to Shine” is all about –to share God’s love around the world. This year’s February 10th night has passed but all those volunteers will be preparing for next year’s event.
Keep in mind that Tim Tebow is 29 years old. The son of missionaries who served in the Philippines, he won the Heisman Trophy while at the University of Florida, was an NFL quarterback with the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and New England Patriots, and plays professional baseball with the New York Mets. He is an on-air TV sports commentator, author, and sports radio commentator.
But most of all he’s a son of God who walks the walk every day of his life. He started the Tim Tebow Foundation in 2010 when he was 22. How many young adults in their 20s are unselfishly doing so much good for mankind?
In 2012, I wrote about his innocent optimism and the goodness that comes from him on an everyday basis (see Tim Tebow: Christian, role model, athlete), noting that ESPN sports reporter Rick Reilly wrote an insightful piece about this unlikely hero. He said, simply, “I believe in Tim Tebow.” And then he gave all the reasons why.
Later that year I wrote, Mother’s Day 2012 … Tim Tebow and his Mom, about how important Tim’s mom was to him, about being the youngest of five children, and about his parents who were missionaries earlier in his life. As a mom who spent 16 years educating my own children, the Tebows, who homeschooled their children and continue to carry their faith through all walks of life, are ambassadors who represent the good that comes from the homeschool community.
In that post, I wrote that Tim shared the story of one Mother’s Day when he was still at home, young and without money to buy a gift. Wanting to express his love and appreciation for his mother, he searched for something other than a material way to do so and ended up weeding her flower garden in the middle of the night, using only the illumination of a flashlight. His mom, listening as he recalled the story, smiled and remembered that it was raining that night.
Pam Tebow also revealed that, after he turned pro and landed a job as quarterback of the Denver Broncos, Tim used his first paycheck to buy her a gift … a necklace from Tiffany’s with a key on it, something she was wearing during the interview and said she wears much of the time. It was, Tim said, a symbol that his mother was the key to his success, adding, “I couldn’t have done it without her.”
One has to hope that, for someone who gives so much, that he is receiving, too. So much thoughtfulness, so much giving, from such a young person. He needs that thoughtfulness, kindness, and giving to refill his own well.
Tim Tebow. He has remained grounded even after hitting the big time in sports, and he still maintains a strong connection with his family, his faith, and those less fortunate than he.
LynnRMitchell.com 