You Must Be Disappointed

by Brian Bowman

Scripture:  “Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, He is the one who has identified you as His own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.  Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. ³²Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”     Ephesians 4: 29-32 NLT

THEME: Encouragement, Kindness

This skit involves a news reporter who questions the athletes immediately after their performances. Choose whichever sports apply to your community. Have fun!

Reporter walks onto stage with mic in hand. He/she fiddles with earplug and prepares to speak. He/she addresses audience as he would the camera.

(Off set announcer in best broadcaster voice): ”She’s close…she’s gaining ground…and Smith has won the silver medal.!! What an amazing story! Our man on the sidelines is trying to get a word with her now. Here she comes.”

(Smith walks onto stage toward the reporter, thrilled to have won a medal.)

Reporter: Ms. Smith. Tell us what just happened.

Athlete: Well, I stumbled out of the blocks a little, but I was able to catch up there at the end. (elaborate all you want here.) Honestly, I thought I was out of the race, but this is just amazing. A few weeks ago, I was working at a supermarket back home Today, I have a silver medal!

Reporter: A silver medal, yes. (pauses) A gold would have been nice.

Athlete: (she can’t believe he said that, but she tries to move on.) Well, a gold would have been nice, but any medal is so exciting. I practiced every day for years to get to this point. I’m just happy to compete.

Reporter: I’m sure you are. Just think, though. If you hadn’t slipped at the beginning, you might be wearing a gold medal right now. (he isn’t mean about it, just insensitive. It’s very important that he’s critical but not mean-spirited) You must be disappointed. Tell us about your disappointment.

Athlete: (furious) WHAT??

Reporter: Well, if you had practiced every day you shouldn’t have had that trouble at the beginning of the race. I wouldn’t have done that if I were you.

Athlete: You…you…this interview is over!! (she stomps away)

Reporter: Well, some people can be pretty sensitive. Back to you in the booth.

(At this point, the skit can be broken up into two more segments later in the service or can continue without stopping.)

Off-Set Announcer: “Let’s take a look at the swim competition. Hector Jones (again, any name is fine depending on what you like) is preparing to dive. He’s up. He’s flipping. Once, twice, three times, four times and into the water. He may win the gold!! What a performance!”

(A man in robe or some other cover up bounds onto the stage)

Reporter: Mr. Jones. Tell us what just happened.

Athlete 2: (really excited) Well, I think this will win a gold for me! The quadruple flip isn’t easy, but I concentrated and I did it. Depending on what this next diver does, I think I’ll win it all. I am so stoked!

Reporter: I see. I noticed you didn’t point your toes very much as you entered the water. That will certainly hurt your score.

Athlete 2: I have the highest score of the day!

Reporter: Yes, but the score could have been even higher if you had pointed your toes. You must be disappointed.

(They stare at each other. The reporter is unfazed. The diver can’t believe what he’s hearing.)

Athlete 2: Hey, man. When was the last time you dove in front of millions of people?

Reporter: This isn’t about me. But, if it were me, I would have pointed my toes there at the end. You’ll certainly be lucky to win the gold, in my opinion. It’s a good thing the competition isn’t as strong this year.

(Athlete 2 stomps off. He’s furious.)

Reporter: Just trying to help. Back to you in the booth.

(He loosens his tie and walks off stage. For a moment, the stage is empty.  The setting changes to a home. The reporter walks in tired to see his wife. She’s preparing to go somewhere. It’s clear he wants to rest for a few minutes.)

Woman: Sweetheart, welcome home. (Pauses) Tough day?

Reporter: Yeah, you know how hard the Olympics are. Those athletes can he really hard to get along with. Still, it is the Olympics, you know? Even a bad interview’s a good interview in the Olympics.

Woman: Yes, I suppose. I’m really proud of you. Still, the Olympics aren’t as good as they used to be. (Reporter is surprised at what he’s hearing.) Now, if you had covered the 1980 Olympics, THAT would have been cool. Remember the hockey team that year?

Reporter: Well, yes dear, but I’m pretty excited about this year, too. I mean, this is a big deal!

Woman: You’re right. (pauses) Of course, I wouldn’t have worn that outfit to work. Showing all the world that shirt ought to be a crime, if you ask me.

Reporter: Well, I worked really hard and I’m glad to be a part of it.

Woman: I’m sure you were. (pauses) You also used a couple of dangling participles when you spoke.

Reporter: Oh, come on! It wasn’t a research paper. I was just talking.

Woman: Sorry, sorry, if you don’t mind sounding uneducated then just go ahead. Honestly, honey, I was a little disappointed in you tonight.

(The reporter sighs, realizing he’ll never make her happy.)

Woman: Are you just about ready? It’s Tuesday night. Time to go to Mother’s.

Reporter: Yeah, okay. (He’s sulking. His spirit is completely shot.)

Woman: I was talking with her on the phone during your broadcast. I’m sure she has some advice for you, too. Mother always has the best advice.

(Exit)

The End

 

Study Questions

 

When is the last time you said something uplifting to a friend?

 

When is the last time you said something encouraging to someone you don’t even know?

 

How did Jesus encourage others?  Through a simple touch...promises kept (“Come unto Me, and I will give You rest”)...Even on the cross (The repentant thief).

 

Are our words the only thing that is important?  Refer to Ephesians 4: 29-32 NLT: “...do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live.”  The way we live is important.  Being aware of our words is only a part of the way we live.

 

Do our lives at home affect our lives in public?  How could the reporter have been more encouraging to the athletes?

 

Does God expect perfection from us?  Why do we expect it?

© 2004 by Brian Bowman

www.freechurchskits.com

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