“I just wanted to say that I liked your latest post and that I enjoy reading your blog.”
Mary’s voice on the other end of the phone was genuine and kind. Honestly, I was shocked by the fact that she had called me specifically to tell me how much she loves my blog. Perhaps “pleasantly surprised” is a better word for my reaction than “shocked.”
Ever since I started Tizzie’s Tidbits of Truth in 2015, I’ve received texts, emails, and words of praise for my writing. Not because I’m an outstanding writer who deserves them. Not because my posts are oh-so-insightful. Not because my writing style or format is particularly excellent. But because countless individuals have made the conscious choice to encourage me.
My blog is fueled by encouraging words like Mary’s. In fact, my writing in general is fueled by encouraging words like Mary’s. Without supportive family members, friends, and acquaintances, I wouldn’t be writing anymore. I probably would’ve given up on writing a long time ago.
I’m a firm believer that encouragement is three very important things:
1. Intentional
For most people, unless encouragement is their spiritual gift (and sometimes even if it is their spiritual gift), encouragement requires forethought and follow-through. But we don’t need extraordinary forethought or follow-through to be an encourager! Anyone can encourage anyone with the power of the Holy Spirit and the training of the tongue.
With the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach will be satisfied; he will be satisfied with the product of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:20-21 NASB)
2. Refreshing
When we get stuck in Satan’s lies, encouragement is exactly what we need. Encouragement in the form of a card, a text, a phone call, a prayer…the list goes on and on. The kindness behind the words “I’m here for you” and “I support you in this” and “You’re not alone because God and I are on your side” is a great cure for discouragement.
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24 NASB)
3. Life-changing
I’ve personally experienced life-changing words of encouragement that positively affected my heart, mind, and soul. A single sentence can be the trajectory for change. The simple phrases “I think you should go” or “I think you should stay” or “I see your potential here” or “I think you’ll find more fulfillment here” are a few life-changing ways to encourage confused family members and friends during hard seasons of life.
But encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called “today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Hebrews 10:13 NASB)
Closing Thoughts
We simply don’t know when someone is walking the line between breakthrough and backslide. It’s often a struggle that no one else can see. But encouragement—your encouragement—can make all the difference in that person’s life.
So, readers, this Thanksgiving post is a thank you for everything you’ve done to encourage me in the last six years since I started Tizzie’s Tidbits of Truth. And thank you, Mary, for inspiring this post.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 