En~COURAGE Someone

I once read a book that defined encouragement as the act of inspiring courage.  Another definition means the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.

Have you ever felt so worn down by something that you just didn't think you could go on?  Maybe it is your job.  Maybe it is your marriage or your children.  Anyone who has a new baby, a three year old or a teenager right now is giving me an 'Amen'.  I hear you sister...I hear you.  Perhaps your exhaustion comes from relationships outside of your home.  Maybe it comes from all the tension in the world right now with hot button topics and controversial acts in our country.Whatever it is that weighs you down, I get it.  I feel it.  I understand it.

I wanted to give you an example of how to help someone else and yourself at the same time.  When I was little, I used to love singing "This Little Light of Mine" in church and Sunday School.  There is a newer version today on Christian radio that I also love.  I remember singing the older version at the top of my lungs with my finger high in the air.

This little light of mine...
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine...
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine...
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it SHINE...Let it SHINE...Let it SHINE

I can't remember all the verses, but I do remember that I wasn't going to let Satan blow it out, I wouldn't hide it under a bushel, and I was going to let it shine all day as loud as I could.  (shocking...I know)

As adults, we still walk around with that little flame inside.  And sometimes...the weight of the world tries to blow it out.  We get frustrated and angry...and our light flickers and threatens to go out.  So how do we fix it?

We encourage one another.  

I've seen in the last few years, some amazing examples of encouragement in my own life and I can't explain what that does to my "light".  Words of affirmation are important to me.  Maybe more important to me than others, but I think the truth would be that everyone likes to be encouraged.  We say all the time that we don't care, but we really do.  We care what others think.  We care how others feel.  We care about a lot of things we pretend we don't need or want so that others think we are tough...strong...and stable.  I want you to think back to a time when someone complimented you for something like being a good spouse.  Think about a time when someone maybe told you that you were a good parent, or that you are good at your job.  How did that make you feel?  Did your light shine a little brighter?  I bet it did.  And I bet that person's light was glowing brighter as well.  Because sometimes, to give courage to someone else actually creates it in ourselves.

Think about the words at the beginning...

To inspire courage.

To make someone believe that they can...or they should...or that they are doing a great job.

You have that power.  We all have that power, but sometimes we are too busy, or too selfish to use it.

I challenge you all to encourage someone today and just watch the reaction.  Watch the chain reaction.  Watch the light inside you glow.  Step outside of your comfort zone and tell someone how amazing they are and you'll see a little weight come off of their shoulders.

Isn't this our job?  As humans?  To be good?  To be loving?  To inspire one another to be the best that we can be?

Yes.  Just yes.

This blog was inspired by the encouragement of a friend from something that was said to me yesterday.  Debbie...thank you for the encouragement.  You always lift me up.  <3

Have a blessed day!
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