“Encouragement is the oxygen of the soul.” ~John Maxwell
For sometime now we Colorado folks feel an extra dose of love. But all that ends today, Election Day. And praise the Lord and glory and amen because I can stop fielding ignoring daily phone calls from both presidential campaigns. I overhear a few of their messages on my machine, and each camp does what we expect: Criticizes their opposing candidate while praising their own.
And as much as this annoys me, I’m guilty of the same thing. Of course, when it comes to political candidates, we must vote one over the other. Only one candidate can win. There’s room for only one President.
I sometimes act like this is true in other areas, too.
I have a burning desire to encourage. But sometimes I believe the lie that says there’s a finite amount of room for lifting others up, like praising them somehow detracts from my own good. So I make the choice to remain silent. If someone is getting lifted up around here, I vote me over you.
But encouragement doesn’t work like an election ballot. So I pray the words that feed my fire: “Lord, humble me and lift others up.”
At the heart of encouragement is humility. Lifting others up automatically puts me in a posture of humility. So I tell my sister she’s a good mama. I back my friend in a sticky situation. I show my husband I believe in him. I even tell the woman in front of me in the grocery line she has awesome hair. I plant seeds of encouragement and ask God to grow them because it’s not me or them. It is us for Him. There is room for everyone to sing each other’s praises because the whole earth is full of His glory and when we praise each other, we praise Him.
We vote ‘yes’ for the sisters and the mothers and the people in voting lines because there’s space to extravagantly celebrate everyone’s gifts and talents.
Jesus – the One who had equal status with God – chose a laid-low posture all His earthly life. He remained quiet about His own good works while praising the humble and giving glory to God. May I too remember the only way up is down, and may I live this out by making a joyful noise over talented and amazing you, gorgeous hair and all.
What is one way you can lift up those in your circle of influence today?
Oh, that quote’s fantastic. Well-chosen, friend, and so apt for me today. I lost my grandmother last Sunday, and am struggling…but strangely, encouraging another friend (earlier) in conversation had a strange effect of lifting me, just a little. Just enough. (Also, the bit about the hair made me smile. Thanks.)
I’m so sorry for your loss, Sonika. That is so hard. Praying for your whole family, dear.
Grateful for you today, friend. Be well.
This is beautiful! I am an encourager too! Btw, You and I should definitely meet one day! Anyway, I think that I do a pretty good job at encouraging except when maybe someone has offnded me in some way. Those are the times when I tend to withold praise from them. I really have to be intentional in going out of my way in lifting them up even if my feelings are hurt. There truly is room to celebrate everyone’s gift. When we do, not only is God glorified, but those people who are celebrated are built up. Their faith is strengthened and they begin to believe what God says about them. Then, they are confident enough to step into the puposes that God has for them.
Very well said, Karina!
I too am an encourager. I love to watch people’s face light up with an unexpected compliment. Sometimes I find that voice inside doubting my sincerity when I pass along such encouragement…that darn voice of doubt will work its way in everywhere, right?
I love how you connected building others up with humility in our hearts. I struggle at times with pride, and believe I may have found a way to combat that pesky sin inside.
Blessings to you!
Sarah, you are right on. Humbling ourselves to encourage means pride gets a gut-punch.
Well said, Kristen. I love getting out of my comfort zone and encouraging a complete stranger. I have seen time and time again how much it lifts their spirit. Just a few kind words is all it takes, and more I try it the more brave I become. Blessings to you, jana
I didn’t use to love getting out of my comfort zone, but I don’t mind it so much now. Or perhaps it’s more that the Air Force has served to greatly expand my comfort zone. 🙂 And this right here…”the more I try it the more brave I become.” So. True!
But sometimes I believe the lie that says there’s a finite amount of room for lifting others up, like praising them somehow detracts from my own good. Really appreciate this line…and your honesty. I know sometimes I hold back on encouragement or compliments because I’m not feeling so good about myself. But doesn’t it always lift us up to lift another up? Blessings!
Yes! Lifting others up lifts us, too! Great comment. Thank you for being here, Elise!
I love your heart, friend. Just love it. And I have benefited from your encouragement so many times. Thanks for choosing to lift us up–you are a joy and gift!
Girl, that’s high praise coming from you, aka Her Majesty the Queen of Encouragement. I love you so much.
Kristen, it’s like you’re speaking right to my heart. I needed to hear this as I’m the kind of person that likes a lot of affirmation. When I’m in a good mood, I’m very free with the words of encouragement, but I notice that I am stingy with it when I feel threatened or not right about myself. It’s in those moments that I most need to assume a humble posture and lift people up. It’s in those moments that I have to remember that the only praise that matters is God’s and that He is glorified more and more by the building up of others! Thank you for sharing this!!
Oh girl, you’re not the only one who sometimes keeps quiet when you feels threatened. Here’s to assuming that humble posture so often it becomes second nature no matter our mood {clink, clink}. Appreciate you so much, Maura!
What a joy you are to read! Yes you are an encourager, me too. My family finds it awkward sometimes when I begin talking to strangers in line, but I love to hear about other women and their life’s journey. I guess I encourage, by listening.
Oh definitely! 🙂 And Diane? It was joy meeting you at Allume. Thanks for being as warm and approachable in person as you are in your words. Love you!