Encourage

It has been awhile since I have posted and will do a catch-up post soon. But in the meantime, I wanted to post a little of a devotion I shared today with my staff. The devotion was called ENCOURAGE. It was all rather timely - as I walked into my office this morning, I was greeted by a bouquet of flowers and an encouraging card from a colleague that came at just the right time. It truly brightened my day and started my week off just right. So grateful.

We often don't remember the words spoken but we remember the tone and the way the words made us feel. As a parent, I have noticed how powerful and influential words can be. Our words will impact who our children become and the way they treat and love other people. I think about the words I whisper to my children at night. The words and tone used when disciplining. And the words left unspoken when we are often to busy to stop and take the time or continue to put our kids off with, "Just a minute..." I remember Kirra calling me on this on more than one occasion as she often reminds me that she has been waiting for much longer than one minute. And will sometimes tell me how many minutes as she has counted the seconds. Words change and affect us all and in all areas of our life. Words give us opportunities to speak truths over our children, truths that help them feel loved, confident and secure in who they are and the image they are created in. Truths that help them know they are valued and what they should value. Words from my son Jaret when he says, "I want to show you that I love you by serving you because this also shows God's love." What a special Mommy moment. As they say in Whoville, "My heart grew three sizes that day!"

In 1 Thessalonians, we are reminded to use our words to encourage and build one another up.

"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing." 

~1 Thessalonians 5:11, NLT

When we do so, we reflect the image of Christ as we become more like Him. When we choose our words carefully, we can make a positive influence but the reverse is also true. Words do make a difference in how we look at ourselves and what we believe we can or cannot do. Over time, that can truly affect who we see ourselves to be. Do our children see themselves in the image of God or have they already begun to believe the negative words that have told themselves over the years?

And there are times when we don't know the storms that people are facing. Sometimes just taking the time can make all the difference. Or offering a kind word or a word of encouragement can go a long way. 

On this particular day when we visited DT Fleming Beach in Maui, no one was allowed in the water as the waves were too dangerous. But it was amazing to sit and stare and hear the ocean waves crash to the shore. It was beautiful. But often, even when something looks beautiful, it doesn't mean that the waves aren't stormy. I think this can apply to life as well. There are many of us who face storms but things in life may look fine. 

It is especially at times like this that words can have power and healing. Times in parenting where we have examples where we have used words to show grace and perhaps times where we have fallen short - it is a constant journey. 

"You need to be aware of what other are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins." ~Jim Stovall

Words can have the power to offer forgiveness. Words can offer grace. Words can show gratitude. As I was preparing for the devotion that I presented to my staff, I came across a website that gives the top ten of how to encourage and build others up. 

How can we be a source of encouragement to our friends, family and loved ones?

#1 Esteem others higher

-speak highly of others

-favourable thoughts of others

#2 Be wise in your speech

-communicate effectively by thinking before you speak

#3 Be encouraging

-genuine

-sincere

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had." ~Romans 15:5, NIV

#4 Be quick to forgive

-forgive as you have been forgiven

-we all make mistakes but God's grace covers over us and we also should be quick to offer grace

#5 Be understanding

-listen without judgement

-be empathetic

#6 Zero gossiping

-keep confidences of others

-be mindful of conversation that may cause unnecessary hurts

#7 Share knowledge

-share what you have learned through books or in life to help others

#8 Stay humble

-humility and maturity go hand in hand

#9 Be positive

-positivity is contagious

-be a person others want to be around

#10 Love

-care and love on those around you

How can you use your words to encourage those around you; those you work with and the family who mean the most to you?