3.09.2010

Intentional Encouragement

The other day our little guy was attempting to pull himself up on the couch. I sat across the room watching. As I sat there, instead of jumping up to go resolve his efforts, I began giving out words of encouragement.

"Come on! You can do it! You're such a big boy! Climb! Hold on! I'm proud of you! Keep working! You're almost there!....."

I noticed his efforts visibly increase and his actions become more determined as I offered my words in great expression. He had someone believing in him which appeared to increase his own belief in himself.

In the midst of his continued attempts and my excited words of encouragement, I realized...

"I need to be more intentional in encouraging others."


Encourage: "to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence"

I wonder, how often is it that someone just needs a little encouragement? Could it be that something so simple is all all they need to find the additional energy, effort and determination to spur them on?

I Thessalonians 5:11a (NIV) "Encourage one another..."


Ways to encourage


phone call
card
e-mail
chocolate
prayer
smile

What are other ways to encourage?

How can I be more of an encourager to you here or via my facebook page?

Evaluating how I can do this better.

7 comments:

  1. Looks to me like you are doing just fine!!

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  2. Verbal encouragement is something I seem to struggle with giving. Not sure why - it just doesn't occur to me... but I'm working on it! Thanks for the ENCOURAGEMENT to keep trying. *;)

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  3. I know I've been trying to e-mail my bloggy friends personal every once in a while to let them know that I think of them. A couple who have had health problems, I've sent e-cards to.

    I find that since facebook and other social sites started, that we tend to not want to personally engage the friends that are physically close to us. Its sad.

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  4. Your visit to the blog was an encouragement to me...thanks for the treat of leading me here!

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  5. There is no such thing as too much encouragement. Go for it!

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  6. The best encouragement to me is pure honesty. When we share our honest emotions (good or bad). When shared emotions are not all warm fuzzy, it helps me see that I am not alone and that other people have challenges, they survive and life moves on. When we share good emotions, it's uplifting...keep up the good work...I LOVE reading your posts:)

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  7. You're doing fine, you always leave encouraging comments and I love it when you do. :)

    He's such a cutie and it looks like he made it up there! lol

    Now the question is, how can I encourage YOU?
    XO

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