The Power of Encouraging Words

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others. Pericles

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up—just as you in fact are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 TLV

Correction does much, but encouragement does more. Johann Wolfgang van Goethe

As I was hiking with friends the other day, it struck me again what an amazing group of people I am blessed to hike with and how much we each encourage each other. When I was young, I did not often think of myself as a “real” outdoorsy person; like I wasn’t good enough. Comments that people make can prevent us from recognizing who we truly are and/or living up to our potential.  Conversely, encouraging words cause us to become more confident and pursue healthy challenges. 

For example, on that recent particularly rocky and rooty steep trail, my friends comments were very positive. One described me as a “mountain goat” (yes, it was a compliment!).  I also was told that I am agile. It was rather flattering to be complimented in that manner as I still struggle with seeing myself with the coordination of a puppy running across ice for the first time! Words have power! Encouraging words are life giving!

Depending on the Bible version that you look at, the word “encourage” (or a variation of it) occurs somewhere between 28 and 80 times!  God knows the power of encouragement and wants us to build up those around us.  When we honestly build up others, we are fostering not only confidence, but community.  Noticing the good in others also helps us to be positive in life.  

Just so you don’t think that it was all about me the other day, I also appreciated and encouraged my friends. One of them had knee surgery last year, and it’s inspiring that she is hiking a trail like the one we did and hiking it well. Both of my companion also prepare for and compete in “mudders”, tough endurance/obstacle events. Though that’s not my cup of tea, I’m inspired by them, and I tell them so!

So, my wonderful blog followers, use your powers for good today!  Tell someone something both true and encouraging. Be blessed even as you are blessing someone else!