Encourage Others. Encourage Yourself.

I apologize in advance. I said that I wasn’t going to keep harping about my birthday, but the inspirations just keep coming. I was amused when my son turned 50 last year, and at his family celebration, his sons were playfully teasing him about his newfound midlife age of 50. They’d make remarks like “Dad, do you need help getting up the stairs?” While speaking really loud to him “Dad, can you hear me?” It was all in fun, but I remembered those words when I was turning 70. I was prepared to hear similar remarks but was pleasantly surprised that all of my family had such kind and encouraging words for me. Ryan was wearing a shirt on Sunday that said “Sundays” on it. Braden said, “Nana, be so thankful that you know what day of the week it is because Dad has to wear a shirt to remind him!” LOL! The most negative words I heard about me over the weekend were from me. I’d start to say something and lose my train of thought, and I’d say “Well, I’m 70 now. Get used to it.” Then I’d mentally spank myself for speaking negatively about my new age.

The second photo here is of a table with words on it that said: “70 Reasons Why I Love Nana”. (Check out our sweet Bentley photo-bombing!) Each one had written down encouraging words that were typed on cards for the table. Phrases like: “You are always smiling.” “You are so brave and led us parasailing!” “You are a Godly woman that shows us how to chase God!” “You are sooo much fun!” “You believe in me and help me believe in myself!” “You are the best Nana in the world.” “You take care of my animals.” “You are a prayer warrior!” Now, that’s what I call encouragement.

We live in a day and age when everyone wants a coach -- someone to spur them on – someone to be their cheerleader. But, in the meantime, if we don’t have those in our life, we shouldn’t just sit there, pining away because there are no cheerleaders in sight. We need to start being our own coach, cheerleader, and encourager by affirming ourselves: “Good job! Good Girl! Well done! You’ve got this! You nailed it!”

We should be encouragers to each other for sure, but it’s A-Okay to do that for ourselves, too. We need to coach our lips because we know that the power of life and death are in the tongue and we need to be careful with the words we speak to ourselves. We need to coach our head. The Bible talks about taking our thoughts captive. That’s so important, especially when our thoughts are running wild with negativity and worry and concern and we need to lasso them back into captivity. We need to coach our hands. What good does it do to have all the knowledge in our head of what God wants us to do and not do it? So many are looking for someone to rescue them, and with our hands reaching out, we can be the answer to someone’s prayer.

Our words should be filled with blessings -- words that affirm and approve; words that commend and compliment; words that specifically speak love and affection; words that invoke hope and self-confidence; and words that answer pain and disappointment with support and faith. May our words and actions bring light and life to our family and our world today. Let's be encouragers!

Affirmative & Positive OR Negative & Pessimistic

Last week, a friend's FB post reminded me of how important it is to speak affirming and encouraging words to our children and grandchildren.  And, it shouldn't stop there -- speaking optimistic and uplifting words to everyone around us has the potential to change the course of someone's day, even their life.

Lots of wisdom here from my friend, Dan Lillpop​, in his recent post:
"This morning, as is often the case, I was feeling a bit reflective. I thought about how often we, as parents, "prophesied" to our children when they were growing up. We would say things like: 'You're going to fall!'  'You're gonna' get sick!'  'You'll miss your bus!'  'You're going to get into trouble!'

I am sure you can think of many others, but the point is, we could have, and should have, done so much better. Not that there are not times when we should have made such statements, but we should also have included such statements as: 'You're going to make it!'  'You can do it!'  'I believe in you!' 'You are special!' 'You have what it takes!' 'You're perfect just the way you are.'

My 3 boys are all grown now, and I can't go back and change how I spoke to them, but I can encourage my grandchildren into greatness, by helping them to unpack all of their potential. I want to be a spark that ignites a great passion in their lives.  As a grandpa, I'm still going to "prophesy", but now I want to prophesy success and good things. I want to help my grandchildren to become the best people they can be!  And hey! I want to also speak good things to my sons,  and for that matter, to all with whom I come into contact.  Let's "prophesy" some good stuff today!"

Honestly, Dan spoke my heart in his words. The simplest things we might say and do, which, though seemingly ordinary, carry an immense weight in telling our children they are loved, cared for, and valued.  Do you remember those childhood experiences when you sensed the approval of a parent, a teacher or loved one?  The ultimate Father figure we have is Father God, and it would behoove us to follow His example in affirming our children and others.  Take a look at the example He sets from His Word.  He gives...

An arm over the shoulder or an embrace in a time of disappointment or fear (see Deuteronomy 33:27)

A pat on the back or a firm steadying hand at a crucial moment (see Psalm 139:5)

A whisper in the ear, giving quiet assurance or secret instructions (see Isaiah 30:21)

A snug tucking in bed when surrounded by the darkness of night (see Psalm 127:2-3)

But the most affirming are those blessings that come in our words: words that affirm and approve; words that commend and compliment;  words that specifically speak love and affection; words that invoke hope and self-confidence; and  words that answer pain and disappointment with support and faith.

May our words and actions bring light and life to our family and our world today.