I was really struggling with how to write this post. I wanted to make it seem epic – and it is epic – but in a pedestrian sort of way (I’m aware of the oxymoron). “How” you ask?
Well, here’s the deal: the world is full of detractors and distractors and discouragers. It’s almost as if we’re almost constantly surrounded by some undead version of life, constantly trying to suck us down to its level and force us into a depraved life of destruction.
As I ponder this, it bothers me more each day. It bothers me because sometimes I walk around like some angry zombie, looking for some life to destroy. It bothers me because I don’t believe life was supposed to be like this.
The Good News
There’s good news, though. Because taking and detracting and destroying are so pervasive, it’s really simple to stand out and make a real difference in the world.
Encourage People!
Seriously, encourage people. A lot. Become an encourager.
I’m not talking about some namby-pamby make-believe encouragement. Some version of “grace” that ignores reality. I’m talking about spending the time to get to know people – who they are, what they want in life, what they’re doing, what they like. And then encouraging them. Cheering them on. Encouraging them to do better.
Steve Grossman, Consumate Encourager
That reminds me of my friend Steve Grossman. He’s a self-proclaimed Encourager. The fact is, he’s such an encourager that he probably can’t help himself. But I so appreciate spending time with him because I always leave with a new level of clarity, my faith is strengthened, and my focus is more clearly on God and His ability and not my own.
Frankly, I’m not quite sure how he does it. I think it’s probably a spiritual gift. But it’s something I want to walk in more than I do.
I think the world would be a better place if more of were encouragers. And I think we can make that happen.
Some Tips on Encouraging
Here’s the Challenge
Let’s work on this together. Let’s commit to becoming encouragers. Let’s commit to finding one person to encourage every day (probably not the same person every day).
I’m not talking about “notches on a gun belt.” But I am talking about an intentional commitment to encourage at least one person every day for the next 30 days. Are you in?
Join me on Lift
If so, join me on Lift. I’m adding it as a habit I want to grow in. Will you add it to?
Photo credit: ckubber
