Encouragement: it's powerful...

A few days after receiving my driver’s license my mom and I were riding down the road – I was driving her car. After a few moments of silence she turned to me and said, “Ron, I feel very safe riding in the car when you are driving. You’re doing great.” Looking back I have no doubt that she shared these same words with my five brothers when they received their license, but at that time they were the words that I needed to hear; encouraging words that took the edge off and made me feel really good about myself.

This is my mom’s way. She is truly a voice of encouragement and as such over her life of 87 years hundreds of women come to her for advice and counsel (they still do). Why? Because she has decided to pour into people; to encourage them and help them see the good in themselves and the world in which we live.

King Solomon has much to say about the counsel of friends. Here are just a few:

Prov. 27:6
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Prov. 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.

Prov. 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Prov. 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

As you read these short verses does anyone come to mind who reflects these verses in your life?
How about you? Are you the voice of encouragement to others?

What a lonely and shallow life it would be if we did not have those in our life who love us enough to encourage and even challenge us when needed. Encouragement, they type found in Jesus, has great power. Indeed, it is the power of life!! Don’t believe me? Then take some time and read John 8:1-11.

Hey, make a decision today. Be an encourager and the voice of hope. People need you more than you know.

Compassion Rules! Live your Life...