When I first wrote our About Us years ago, I started the page with: "Sparkle Sports started accidentally." Accidentally? Why did I use that word? Accidentally? Does anything really happen by accident or by chance?
When I was younger and in the midst of starting this business, it felt like my mom and I stumbled upon the idea out of nowhere. We started the business and things fell into place, but I wasn't prayerful over the decisions we made. I was just rushing along --
In God's providence, He has shown me that part of Him "working all things together" (Romans 8:28), is Him constantly using everything. Everything fits into His pattern.
Back in 2014, we found Zechariah 9:16 by typing in the search bar: "Bible Verses with SPARKLE." My mom had already come up with the business name: Sparkle Sports. We wanted a verse to go with the business, not realizing at the time the treasure we found in the word as a promise to cling to. My Grandma Linda sat with us while we talked about new ideas that same afternoon. She stressed the importance of the Word. When I think back to that moment today, 2 Timothy 3:16 comes to mind: "All scripture is breathed out by God."
I am so thankful for the Lord as our Shepherd (Psalm 23:1). The Shepherd who goes before us. The Lord in His providence led us to this season and this time. I am so grateful for this business and for the Lord making us stewards over this specific gift. I pray that our family stewards what He has given faithfully.
"As a Shepherd saves His flock" -
I listen to Elisabeth Elliot's old radio episodes a lot in the mornings. She talks of having "spiritual mothers," and she has become one of mine. Even though she has passed away, her influence has been one that has changed my entire life. She is truly a gift! One of her main topics is: God's Guidance. She talks often about the Shepherd being far more concerned with the sheep finding the right pasture -- green pastures -- than the sheep. Isn't that so true? We have a Sure and Faithful Guide who promises to lead. The Shepherd provides, comforts, guides, and directs. "It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture" (Psalm 100:3).
When I look back over the past twelve years I don't have the words to describe what the Lord has done. Most of His plans and ways have been far different from what I expected. Yet, I am so thankful for His ways and His thoughts being far higher and better than my own (Isaiah 55:8-9). For "this God -- His Way is perfect" (Psalm 18:30).
All I can think is: "Thanks be to God."
"...SPARKLE in His land like jewels on a crown" (NIV).
"SHINE" (ESV).
The Hebrew word for sparkle is "nasas": "to be lifted up, to be exalted, to be raised" (Lexical Summary). "To gleam from afar" (Lexical Summary). The word "banner" and "ensign" was used in several descriptions.
To "SPARKLE" and "SHINE."
Where does true "sparkle" come from? When I thought about this question, James 1:17 came to mind, "Every good and every perfect gift comes from the Father of Lights." The Lord is the Father of Lights. The source of light. Jesus came into the world as light (John 12:46). And Christ has called His people to "shine" -- to "shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:15).
I hope whoever is reading this knows where true SPARKLE comes from. We love our Sparkle Jerseys, but obviously, a sparkle jersey is just a jersey.
True SPARKLE doesn't come from the world, it comes from God. This God -- "the Father of Lights" -- is where true light comes from. It's where we hope you find your "SPARKLE" and become one of "the jewels on His crown."
Memories from Sparkle Sports:
When I think back to the early days of Sparkle Sports, some of my favorite memories have been working with my mom. When we first started out, my mom and I bought 25 yards of fabric and set up a makeshift "factory" in our backyard shed. Our workspace was just two cabinets and a plywood table top.
One afternoon, she asked, "should we order several bolts of sparkle fabric?" It felt like such a big thing!
As our little business grew, we made our own sparkle patterns and ordered several bolts of sparkle fabric to make jerseys for the fans of our local high school team.
After a few months of making sparkle jerseys for our football team, I remember several people saying, "you have to go to a football game! The stands are full of gold SPARKLE!"
The football stands were SPARKLING!
Since then, we have perfected our sparkle jerseys by adding athletic trim, twill numbers, and comfortable linings.
Sparkle Sports is now located at Bob's Athletics in Moultrie, GA. Bob's Athletics was originally owned by Bob and Linda Eunice (my "Bob and Mimi"). They opened in 1974. It is now owned and operated by my dad, Chad Eunice. He handles all production and manufacturing for our sparkle jerseys.
Today we ship orders out all over the USA.
- Jaycee