August 10, 2009
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Encouragement……
I’ve been waiting for this site to go up for a few days when I’ve heard people talking about it on their blogs. I checked today and the site is live! It’s beautiful, and I am sure I’ll be spending a bit of time reading it’s encouraging stories.
As for me…..what encourages me? Well usually I am the encourager. I can’t help it……I love to lift people’s spirits. It kills me to watch people around me in pain and hurting…..especially those that are very close to me. Whether it’s a gentle hug, or busting out into some silly song and dance……it’s my mission to get a smile. Cause in that moment…..even if it’s just a moment, it makes people forget their hurts. I would say one of my main gifts is encouragement. Yes, I’ll be one of those moms that cheers Andrew on at the soccer field whether he runs the wrong way or not!
As for what encourages me……well, I love a good pep talk. In my quest for wellness (I started a quest….again!) I realize I need encouragement. I need people to come along side of me to remind me of my goals. To cheer with me when I slide those pre-pregnancy jeans on, or to give me a boost when I really want to eat something bad. I am so thankful that I have many people in my life that are willing to do that for me. To stand with me and support me. To lift my arms when I can’t and to cheer with me when I’ve done it!
My life as a missionary has been full of needed encouragement! As I press towards the calling that He has placed on my life I find I need people around me to also encourage me. To not give up when my bank account is low, to not give up when I am discouraged because I am not doing enough.
I also find I love encouragement from other moms who are in the particular season (or who have walked the road) I am in right now. There’s nothing better than receiving a hug from a fellow mom that says, “I understand….and I KNOW!” I am equally blessed to have moms like that in my life too.
Truth is, I think we all need encouragement! I think we’re all wired that way. In a world that is so dark sometimes…..we just need to be Lights!
So, what encouragement do you need? What encouragement do you give?
Oh and don’t forget to check out (in)courage.me You won’t be sorry!
Comments (4)
I love that you go out of your way to encourage those around you – what a blessing you must be to your friends and family!
Here’s a hug, from one mom to another in the same phase of parenting… with all the challenges of doing it here in southern Africa… you’re not alone in the journey!!!
@amyriep - Thank you so much Amy!!! That means a lot!
Sarah, it’s great to “meet” you here on these pages! I agree with grace over coffee, it’s wonderful to see how committed you are to being an encourager. That not easy to do for any of us (much less as a missionary mommy!). Thanks for making a difference and for being (in) with us!
Holley – (in)courage