Two-minute read.
“I suck.”
“You can’t say that.”
“Well, I didn’t follow through.”
“You can say I didn’t follow through, but you can’t say I suck. I was a tennis coach for ten years, and one of my pet peeves is negative thinking. I’m working on it myself.”
Playing in a charity golf tournament for Toys for Tots, Ron and I shared a foursome with a grandfather and his grandson, a sophomore in high school. Our young friend put extreme pressure on himself and expected perfection out of every shot, quickly becoming discouraged. As we played the 18-hole tournament, I took every opportunity possible to encourage and uplift him. No, he wouldn’t go on the professional tour anytime soon, but based on his performance, he would have an incredible golf game. The younger you start playing the challenging game, the better you get at it, as in anything.
The more you practice encouraging others, the better you will become at it. Coaching helped me become more aware of my language and taught me to use uplifting and encouraging words with my students. Kids put a lot of pressure on themselves for many different reasons; helping them learn to manage that pressure and develop realistic expectations without limiting their potential takes intention. We must first recognize our power to influence people with words, then decide if we want to build people up or tear them down.
Some people do want to tear others down. And, before I knew Jesus, I took my pain out on others with destructive words that destroyed relationships. Placing my faith in the Savior began the transformation that helped me use my words more positively. No matter how perfect a person’s life looks on the outside, they have struggles that no one knows exist. The more people I get to know, the more I become aware of this fact. When you hear people’s stories, they will amaze you. The pain and suffering people endure and the strength they find in Christ will inspire and give you hope.
Determine today to become an encourager. Speak words of life to people that encourage and inspire them to become who God created them to become. Before our mothers gave birth to us, the Lord had a plan for our lives. Helping others discover and live out the Creator’s will for them happens when we build each other up. Starting today, become an encourager and enjoy the blessing of watching others blossom and bloom.
Journal Questions:
Who has encouraged you with their words?
How have you seen your words impact someone else’s life?
What do you need to work on today to become an encourager?
Friendship Application:
Use uplifting and encouraging words to build people up.
