Encouragement

Encouragement.

“Well done.”

        “I’m proud of you.”

     

                             “Keep writing, the world needs to hear your stories.”

                            

                                                                                              “I believe in you.”

Lucy Morgan-Jones here.

Words of encouragement, like God’s word to our soul, are so important. Our words have the power to build up, as well as tear down other people.

I recently had my Pa (maternal grandpa) die on the 9/12/13 I’m still missing him and his words of encouragement. There’s nothing quite so sad as knowing that the only person in one’s family who believed in me or offered me encouragement is now gone. 

Folks—don’t let that happen to you. 

Don’t miss out on the blessing and the privilege of using your words to encourage someone.

Have a think…. Who in your circle of influence, who on your daily routine—whether it be while pouring cereal for a child, interacting with fellow shoppers while running errands, or with other writers online—who do you spend more than five seconds with that you can offer a smile and a kind word to?

Image courtesy of By Feelart, published on 19 March 2013 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Acts 16:40 “After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them.”

I know that as a writer that my written words can bless those who read them, and hopefully encourage my readers to a deeper relationship with God, and to view themselves as women of incredible worth.

But writing is only one way I can encourage other people. Here are some suggestions of ways I’ve found to encourage others:

The young man serving me at the grocery store—take time to ask him what he wants to do with his life and speak words of encouragement to him.

The sour looking grandma sitting in the waiting room—pick something nice about her (clothing, hairstyle, shoes, smile…) and compliment her, or at the very least offer a genuine smile.

My children (the most important to encourage in my opinion)—tell them I love them no matter what, that I believe in them, and that I am proud of the way they try their best-regardless of the results.

Family members I try to speak encouragement to. Listen to what they are not saying. Praise the good I see, and encourage them in the areas I see a need for growth in (realising, of course, that I am completely blinded by my own sins and prejudices). The idea is to talk about the person how you’d like to see them become, whether it be more patient, more loving, developing a particular talent or skill, or in their faith—talk up to them, not down.

Same goes for friends. Ask “how are you really doing?” and mean it. Listen intently and then offer encouragement in the areas that your friend is struggling in.

Critique partners and other writers who cross my path. I'm not always successful, but I do try to encourage them in their writing and to point out the good (great!!) things in their writing. No one understands crazy like a fellow writer!

Sometimes all it takes is for one person to believe in us. YOU can be that one person to someone else.

Colossians 2:2 "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ."

Romans 12:6-8 "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

So, may I encourage you to take a minute every day and to choose your words wisely? Be an encourager, and have a heart for building others up and strengthening them. We live in a hurting world and many of us carry burdens unshared. Together let's share the love that God has so lavishly shared with us.

God bless you over these Christmas holidays. Lucy

P.S. Thanks for stopping by, if you'd like to follow me on facebook, my link is here.