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“You can do it. I have faith in you!”
Simple words. Profound message.
If not for those encouraging affirmations, where would many of us be today? Probably parked in neutral paused at the intersection.
Without encouragement, life overwhelms. We’re not motivated to try harder, aim higher, or move forward because our effort seems pointless. Nothing makes sense.
Sure, we can trudge on, but without cheerleaders—those special folks who challenge us to move beyond the bar—success is rare.
Human beings thrive on positivity. While we want to succeed because of intrinsic desires, naturally, what others think and how they view us matters, too. We’re geared like that.
Over the years I’ve had many encouragers. I bet you have, too.
Parents, teachers, friends, our spouses—key people who’ve influenced our journey and redirected our mindset when discouragement threatened.
It seems only fitting then that we encourage—that we pass on what’s so graciously been lavished upon us.
Today on the blog, think of this as a call to action. Be the encourager.
Be the one who extends a heartfelt sentiment to someone else.
Show your appreciation through words and actions. Demonstrate faith. Go out of your way to uplift, inspire, and motivate.
Don’t wait for the opportune moment or just the right time. Sometimes, just the right time is a fallacy. What looks like the perfect opportunity to us might be an ordained moment already passed.
Encouragement is always in vogue and never grows old. It’s needed, appreciated, and remembered.
I’m reminded of *Erica, a little girl who has silky black hair and dark, expressive eyes. She has a tender heart and a ready smile.
Erica also has a passion for art. She loves textures, shapes, and colors. She sees things in her mind and creates masterpieces on paper. Her sketchbooks are filled with page after page of beautiful, detailed creations.
If not for encouragement, Erica’s artistic flare might not have developed. You see, Erica is my niece. She’s legally blind. (Here’s just one of her many paintings.)
Whether it’s pursuing a long-held dream or something never tried before, a positive thought matters. Encouraging words have a boomerang effect. They bless the giver and the receiver—and back around again.
And so the circle goes.
Try it!
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A word for all seasons. Why this makes the world go ’round!
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*Not my niece’s real name.
What’s the biggest encouragement you’ve ever received?
How do you encourage others?
Be encouraged, friends!
Blessings Always,
Comments 4
I agree, encouragement is so important. I’ve been on the receiving end a LOT in my life, thanks to amazing friends and family…in both words and actions. I remember a friend once wanted to encourage my writing dream and she knew I was hugely pressed for time. So for Christmas, she gave me “certificates” I could redeem for her cleaning my place, making a meal, doing laundry, etc.
One of the things I remember doing once to encourage my mom was on her 50th birthday…I found a cute little keepsake box and filled it with 50 letters/notes. That was a couple years ago now, but I know she still gets it out and rereads notes sometimes when she’s having a bad day or needs a little extra oomph.
Author
Melissa, what a great idea! Like you, I’ve been on the receiving end of encouragement, too. Sometimes, what seems like something small is a huge encouragement to others. We spent a long season living in and out of hospitals when our son was very ill. What mattered most were those seemingly simple things: encouraging cards and notes, homemade meals brought to the hospital, even a small, pre-lit Christmas tree delivered to our son’s hospital room. I want to be the hands and feet of Christ like others were to me.
So true!
One thing I might add – it’s important to encourage someone who’s ill or disabled to do what they CAN do, rather than be ‘understanding’ about what they can’t. It’s awful to be written off from life, even though contributing takes more out of you than it would for most people. It’s still worth it.
Author
Andrew, I completely agree. Thanks so much for taking time to stop by—I appreciate you!