When you encourage others, you are sowing for the future just as Johnny Appleseed did.
Do you remember the legend?
This folk hero wandered the west planting thousands and thousands of apple seeds.
He knew some would take root and others would not, but that didn’t sway him from his purpose.
Being an encourager is a lot like that.
I’m guessing you’ve encouraged your spouse, children, and many others, yet you don’t do it on the basis of it being a sure thing.
You encourage because you see a need.
You encourage because it’s in your very nature.
You encourage because you know how welcome and refreshing it can be.
I have three true stories for you (names changed, of course) about the power of a simple conversation to reassure, support, and inspire hope.
In short, to demonstrate the value of encouragement.
I was one of those girls in high school who just didn’t fit in any of the social groups. Smart, yet not part of the inner circle of “high achievers”. Pleasant and friendly, but certainly not outgoing. Enjoyed going to events, but was always the designated driver and felt like an outsider. Easygoing, but drew a very hard line on ethics and how people should treat one another. In other words, I felt I blended effortlessly into the background. A younger, very attractive, and relatively popular acquaintance came to me shortly after I graduated and asked for advice. Really? Me?
Caroline shared she was under a lot of pressure from her peers to conform and join them in some of their questionable conduct. She wanted my opinion on what to do. I urged her to stick up for her own beliefs and to not go with the flow. It might make her less popular with those folks, but she would be able to live with her choices. Fast forward many years later when I received a note in the mail from this young lady. She thanked me for helping her make the right choice that day and for the remainder of school. She was especially grateful, as those choices opened up doors of opportunity for her.
Connor is a gifted American pilot who flew during Desert Storm. He and his fellow Navy personnel—aviators, support staff such as mechanics, and spouses—got together recently for a reunion. A wife approached Connor and thanked him for the pep talk he gave to her husband while on the carrier. This young mechanic was based in the bowels of the ship and was part of a team that took care of the operational machinery. Ed was discouraged, and somehow Connor heard about him.
The humble pilot descended deep into the craft and sat down to chat with Ed and his two buddies. Connor shared how important their work was to his job as a pilot and how grateful he was to know they were there. He exhorted them to look ahead to their future beyond the Navy and to take advantage of the educational benefits. This wife wanted to let Connor know how important those words had been to her husband. Not only did they help Ed see his duty in a completely different light, but he was just now finishing up his Masters in Education degree.
Sharon was in high school when a major family move left her feeling very lost, alone, and depressed. Months had passed, and she hadn’t made any new friends at school. All of her support—peer and adult—was gone, as it was physically located in her previous hometown. She finally decided she had had enough. Sharon gathered pills and alcohol so she could slip easily away into a forever sleep. As this deeply discouraged tenth grader sat on her bed, words from her guidance counselor came back to her.
This man had encouraged her to step out and not wait for others to make the first move. He reminded her this transition was temporary, and there were small actions she could take to help change her situation. He agreed that life was tough and there would always be difficult moments, but there was much to look forward to. As Sharon remembered more of his words, she decided to give life another shot. It wasn’t until decades later the counselor heard about the impact of his words when he listened to his former student’s speech.
A funny thing about these stories is that none of these particular conversations were memorable enough to stick with the encouragers.
Those words were just some of the many, many seeds we’ve each dropped along the way, never knowing if they would bear fruit.
I imagine the same is true for you.
I urge you to remember that you never know how the words you speak today will help someone else, to keep the faith and trust that your words matter.
Because they do.
Sow those seeds wisely, well, and often, friends.
Question: Do you have a tale of an encourager who made a difference, whether you were the giver or the receiver?
Challenge: Send a note to someone today who made a difference for you.
Sharing today at NOBH, Finding Heaven
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Twitter: graceglimmers
says:
Encouragement is valuable. Thanks for the reminder that what we give does plant seeds for others’ growth! Sometimes we forget we planted and may never see the fruit…but it is part of God’s plan that we all Love One Another in these little and big ways!
Jennifer recently posted…Give Thanks to the Lord
Well said, Jennifer! Thanks for sharing.
Twitter: missindeedy
says:
Oh, friend! What an encouarger’s heart you have! These stories are fantastic examples of exactly why I find it so fulfilling to encourage others. I read these kinds of things or notes I’ve received myself, and I am reminded of how soothing words really are honey to the soul.
Missy recently posted…Just Do Something!
“Soothing words=Honey to the soul”: Yes, Missy, they certainly are. Isn’t it funny how we LOVE getting notes or little thank you gifts, and we may not be as apt to remember to send them ourselves? I know I am guilty of that too often! Thanks for stopping by, and a happy New England Fourth to you!
I needed to be reminded of this today, Kim. Your timing was just right for this post. You’ve been an encourager all along the way in this blogging thing too, my friend. I hope you realize that! Hugs to you!
So glad to be of help, Beth. Online or offline, friends are so wonderful in how they are able to encourage. Right back at you, Beth! xo
Twitter: susanrstilwell
says:
I love receiving notes! I can’t tell you how many times one has arrived at just the right time. It’s made me more intentional about sending them to others as the Lord puts them on my mind. Wouldn’t it be great to be known as a modern-day Barnabas?
Susan Stilwell recently posted…A Monday Pause ~ Serving
You made me smile, Susan. When I took the DISC profile, one of the historical figures listed on my “you are similar to this person” was Barnabas. Heh.
Great point on receiving notes making us more aware to send notes ourselves. It would be a great happy loop of encouragement!
Twitter: Soulstops
says:
Dear Kim,
Thank you for encouraging me and so many others. One morning I woke up and I felt God telling me to pray for a young lady I knew through our girl’s school, then I felt I should write her a note…she later e-mailed me to tell me that the note had made a big difference to her and answered a prayer she had prayed the night before. It encouraged me to know that I hadn’t heard incorrectly from God and to know she was so encouraged.
Dolly recently posted…Alphabet of Thanks: “L”ight and “L”ove
Stories like yours just send happy chills up my spine, Dolly. When we feel that nudge to reach out, chat, send a note, ask someone for coffee, etc, it’s important we take action. How sweet the young lady let you know how important your encouragement was! Thanks for stopping by, dear friend!
Twitter: 3D__Vitality
says:
What a wonderful, encouraging reminder that the simplest words can impact a life. You encouraged me today!
Thank you, Ann! You encouraged me as well with your thoughts!
Twitter: fiercedivablog
says:
I love this. Words are so powerful and I hope I can always use mine wisely and when appropriate, to encourage. Thanks Kim!
Ilene recently posted…Ordinary World
Your written words are so very powerful and encouraging, Ilene! Thank you for your friendship and encouragement!
Twitter: DishofDailyLife
says:
What a powerful post! We just never know how simple words of encouragement can help. These are wonderful stories. Thank you for sharing this!!
Michelle recently posted…Celebrating the 4th of July with Friends
Thank you, Michelle. I hope you are encouraged to lift up someone else today!
Twitter: momsfromscratch
says:
{Melinda} What an awesome and inspiring article, KIm! I think that Satan tries to convince us that we aren’t making any difference — just because we can’t see it immediately. I think that’s why God tells us not to become weary in welldoing — because in the proper time we will reap a harvest. Definitely in heaven, but also I believe He gives us glimpses here on earth. Sharing this article!
Mothering From Scratch recently posted…how to keep the peace when life gets messy
Isn’t that the truth, Melinda?! That pull to just get off the path and do nothing because we don’t matter can be so strong! I am humbled by your words-thanks so much for sharing!