Encouragers! Let’s Unite!

Have you noticed when you walk into a fast-food restaurant or retail store that you’ll hear one of their employees shout out “Good afternoon, welcome to ____”? Isn’t that encouraging? You were noticed! You also know that some of those employees have been taught to say something encouraging to you like “I love your hair” or “I love your sweater!” Despite it seeming a little trite, it still gives you a feel-good feeling, doesn’t it?

About four months ago, I spoke for a women’s meeting at my church.  Last Sunday, a young woman pushed through the crowd to tell me how much she was encouraged by my words at that meeting.  In turn, I said to her:  “And, you are an exhorter and encourager because you just lifted me higher with your encouraging words!”   

I started thinking about the people who have been encouragers to me. I remember, as a teenager, the youth choir director pointing out “You harmonize so beautifully at your young age.” That gave me huge confidence to belt out my harmonies even more. Someone else said, “Donna, you have the most beautiful clothes.” That’s because my sweet mama, though she had a tight budget, managed to provide me with trendy clothes because of her “deal” finder abilities. I think that’s why, to this day, I go to the sales racks before I look at the full-priced items.

I was shy and an introvert as a child and teenager. Not many believe that because today I am outgoing because of those who encouraged me. I had a boss who encouraged me to apply for a job that I didn’t have the required Master’s Degree. I applied and got the job.  On-the-job training served me well for even more open doors. I was encouraged to step into leadership roles many times because of the encouragement of others. Now, I am beyond blessed by the encouragement I receive from so many of you who cheer me on in doing what I’m doing right now — encouraging me to keep encouraging.

My point today is to encourage us all to put on our Encourager Hats. It’s obvious how much our world needs cheerleaders and encouragers. As I type this blog, I know you get what I’m saying because you sense God’s gift of encouragement within you. You’ve been through your share of heartaches, and someone was there to encourage you, so you know, like 2 Corinthians 1:4 says “So that you might comfort others with the same comfort that you’ve been comforted with”, you must encourage others.

Now you are passionately aware that you’ve been called to speak up, reach out and lift up others. It’s not always easy because you don’t want to intrude or be a “know it all”, but that’s not what matters. What matters is you have something to give and you give it. 

We can be “on purpose” encouragers – like for those store clerks — to build them up and bring a bright light to their day.  “You are the fastest cashier I’ve ever seen!” or “You are so friendly. Thank you.” or “I love your smile”. When we do that, we’re being encouragers.

We hold the power to encourage when we pick up the phone to send a text or to type a comment in a FB post that speaks encouragement. So, rise and shine, Encouragers! Let’s go get ‘em….let’s ENCOURAGE!!

 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing!”