As I reflected on my Good News post, the topic that came to mind was encouragement. I have received a number of emails, Facebook messages, private conversations and so on that have really meant a lot to me.
Receiving encouragement and compliments have not always come easy to me. There was a time that I thought accepting compliments was prideful and every encouraging word should be deflected away from me. It sounds stupid as I write this but I know that there are others who have struggled with accepting compliments as well.
What changed for me was that I was encouraging people to say positive things to others, to use words to build up and not tear down. I realized that it was not logical for it to be good to give compliments and bad to receive compliments. Of course there is a prideful way to abuse compliments, but a gracious thank you makes both people feel good.
I am thankful that there are encouraging people in my life. One of those is Amanda. She has been especially encouraging in my transition back into pastoral ministry.
The message I want to leave with you is that your words matter, for good or for bad. Make good choices, think before you speak and be courageous enough to share that encouragement.
