Growing in Faith Together: Encouragement

Guest Post by NACWE’s Spiritual Director, Rene Owens

Do you have people in your life that are your cheerleaders?  Is there someone you know you can count on to give you a pat on the back when times are tough?

My mom is my biggest cheerleader and encourager.  When I am having a tough day, I know I can call her and she will lift my spirits.  She lives out First Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

Thankfully she taught me to live out this verse as I grew up.  I remember sending cards to the shut-ins and people at the nursing homes.  Then when I would see them at church, they were always so grateful for the card.  It really didn’t take me long to write the card and it cost less than a dollar to send.  But what a big difference it made in their lives.

As a teacher I love to see the little smiles that come across a child’s face when you compliment them on a new outfit, or say they did well on a paper, or praise them for being a nice friend.  It is amazing to see how a few little words brightens a child’s day.

Are we any different as adults? Don’t we enjoy hearing someone compliment us on our new outfit?  Or when a client shares with you how much you have helped them, doesn’t it make you smile and want to do more?

Everyone benefits from a little encouragement. A few small words can have a major impact on a person’s life. It can also change a negative situation into a positive one.

I challenge you to look for ways that you can encourage others in your daily walk.  It may be the waitress at the restaurant, your spouse, your child, the teller at the bank, the neighbor who never smiles, or your boss that may need a few words of encouragement.  With technology today you can send a word of encouragement through Twitter or post on someone’s Facebook wall.  I think you will be surprised at how you feel blessed when you start encouraging others.

Rene Owens is the Spiritual Director for NACWE. She is also a Piggies and Paws Artist & Kindergarten Teacher. Find out more at www.piggiesandpaws.com or www.facebook.com/PiggiesandPaws or contact Rene at rowens@piggiesandpaws.com.