Contagious Encouragement

In the midst of everything you have going on, you sit there quietly and in the distance you notice an acquaintance of yours sitting further out. You sense something is not right with them. It could be the slight hint of sadness in the downward shape of their lips, or the tiny bags underneath their eyes. Whatever it is, this moment has been brought to your attention and you have gazed on one of the most missed opportunities of our generation, the act of encouragement.


What does it take for you to take yourself out of your comfort zone and walk up to that person and say something nice to them, or tell them that you would like to pray for them? Is it truly courage that you seek in those moments, or is it the selfishness within you that tells you to just let someone else do it. The ability to get up and tell someone something nice and encouraging does not take learning or some majestic power. It is the gift we have all been given, but rarely use. Every single one of us can say something or do something to encourage someone. It is as simple as putting a smile on so their face after you just smiled at them.


When I think of what the beauty is within a little baby, I am constantly reminded of the simple and innocent smile babies share with us. There are few things in this world that are more angelic then seeing a baby smile and giggle at us. If we could only mimic the love of a baby and exhort that to others by just showing others genuine baby-like love. See, here is the thing about encouragement that is so often overlooked: encouragement in it's simplest sense can change a person's life. The ability to encourage someone can take them from the pits of hell and bring them to a place of utmost peace.


Encouragement starts within yourself. If you hold yourself back and doubt what you can do by your words, your actions or your perception, then you are only discouraging yourself and allowing others to be further brought down. It is such a beautiful thing to watch children and young teens help out their elders in different service projects or gatherings. But, why does encouragement have to be restricted to the confines of a building or tradition. The central heart of encouragement is to take yourself out of that box that has held you captive for so long and go out to wherever the road takes you and just encourage someone. Tell someone that you appreciate the work they do, or give joy to someone by sharing how beautiful they are. Help someone out with a difficult task, or just do a random act of kindness. The opportunities are endless, but the moments are critical.


Well you ask yourself what does encouragement do for me? Here is the amazing thing about encouragement. Through doing something beautiful for others, you yourself will be blessed the same or even more so. Do to others ultimately for nothing in return, but understand that encouragement is different then giving gifts or serving. Encouragement is a fragment of pure happiness. It is the key that can open doors to lifetimes of joy and love. Start with those around you, such as your family and friends. Learn and seek how encouragement can change your life and others. See the joy that comes out of it. Live in the moments of gladness for you have been giving this life without deserving it. The air you breathe and the ground you walk on was given to you by Him when you least deserved it. Give back what is His and do for others as He has instructed you to do. Don't hold back the beautiful person you are within. You will only sell yourself short.


For the beauty within all of us is the essence of sharing it with others through kind words and thoughtful actions.


That is Truth