Something that I love is encouraging people, and I love receiving encouragement. I think it's really easy sometimes to forget how powerful our words are, and that what we say really does have an effect and a power over people.
So I went and asked a bunch of people what the most encouraging thing they have been told was, and I included it here as a list. I wanted you to be able to see how even the smallest thing that doesn't seem like much can have a great effect on someone.
Sometimes it's not so much what you say but more of what they needed to hear.
1. "You are a man among men. When I look at you, I see Jesus." - O
2. "I appreciate how much you care about others and never need the validation for yourself." - L
3. "You remind me of Michael Jackson today." -M
"This comment was made in reference to my outfit, hair, and general appearance. It meant way more to me than he could have imagined and just goes to show how even the small & silly encouragements can go a long ways."
4. "Some of the biggest encouragements I've received have been from campers or students I've mentored. To see and to hear the impact that investing in students has had on them Is the most encouraging thing to me. Encouraging others is sooooo encouraging" - T
5. "You're going to be a great mom one day." - Mine
"Coming from the home life I did, hearing these words from my aunt meant everything, the reminder that I can be different and I will be a good mom."
6. "At camp this summer, a guy came up to me and spoke into my life, saying the more I dwell in the presence of the Lord, the more His evidence of the wellsprings of life will shoot out into people's lives. It wasn't just a nice farewell, or 'hey you're doing a good job', but it was one of the most powerful things I've ever heard in my life." - A
"Words have meaning, words have power. The old saying goes, "Stick and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me", oh how I wish it were true for this generation but too many kids get bullied with words, and too many kids commit suicide as a result. Your words represent who you are as person. Whether it's positive, uplifting, sarcastic, negative, or passive. It defines you."
7. "I would say the most encouraging thing that someone has ever told me would be that they believed in me and that they are excited to see where I end up in the world. It is when people say things like that, I feel most equipped and sent out to do what I have been called to. It is also encouraging because it shows that I am being supported in what I choose to do and I am cared for." - L
8. "Something that meant a lot to me and was super encouraging was when I received the Delta Epsilon Chi Reward which goes out to 2-3 students of every graduating class [at graduation] for Intellectual Achievement, Christian Character, and Leadership Ability." - C
9. "I'm so proud of you. Look how far you've come. Who would have guessed that I'd be able to call you my son. I remember when you first came into my home, you were only supposed to stay with us in foster care for three months. Here we are fifteen years later, and I wouldn't have changed anything. God had a plan for this, and I'm always here for you." -T
"This encouraged me so much, hearing this from my adopted father! Words can have a huge impact on people that's for sure."
10. "You have a place here. You are significant, you add something to this place. You are wanted, and seen." - S
11. "I had someone tell me that they were thankful for me and that they considered me one of the most important people in their lives." - D
12. “I support you fully, I’m proud of you, and I love you” - T
"My youth pastor said this to me"
I think we need to remember that sometimes its the little things that we say that have the greatest impact on someone, and sometimes these little things that we say to someone will stick with them. We need to remember that our words have power to build someone up or tear them down. We need to be more carful with what we say.
So let's be quick to encourage and build each other up today friends, even if it seems silly or small.
