January 11, 2010

Encourage! And Empower!

Let us encourage one another – Hebrews 10:25

For several years I have cherished, the constructive comments and the kind words written by my former class mates in my 10^th grade autograph booklet when we graduated to move to high secondary school in India. Every time I read those genuine and honest comments, I was elated in my spirit by the unforgotten and unseen friends over the years. I used to go through the pale colored autograph booklet and get encouraged.

The word “encourage” means, to inspire an individual with hope, courage, or confidence, and show a support of endorsement so that the person who receive this encouragement will be spurred or stimulated and empowered to excel well in what he is doing. This virtue is so important that our Lord commands us to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25). Apostle Paul enlisted encouragement as one of the seven Spiritual fruits. Romans 12:8 says, “If it is encouraging, let him encourage.” In Acts 4:35-37, we read about an encouragement expert, named Barnabas. Wherever he went, people’s spirits lifted-up and their faces radiant by the encouraging words he spoke of individuals he met. His presence mean, kind words, helpful suggestions, and a load of encouragement. Do you know that Barnabas was his nick name given by his friends after seeing his extraordinary ability to inspire and build people through his words of encouragements? He was born Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus but his reassuring, supporting, and encouraging words prompted the apostles to call him, Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement” (verse 36). Barnabas known for “encouragement”, what are we known for amid our friends or believers circle?

One day a Math teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down. Later, she gave each student his or her list where each one can see the list of good things peers said about him / her. Before long, the entire class was smiling. 'Really?' the teacher heard someone whispered. 'I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!' and, 'I didn't know others liked me so much,' were most of the comments. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students graduated and moved on. 
  
Several years later, one of the students who became a soldier in India was killed in 'Kargil' war and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never attended funeral of a serviceman before. He looked so handsome, so mature. The place was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk. The teacher was the last one to bless. As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. 'Were you Sanjay's Math teacher?' he asked. She nodded: 'hmm yes…’ Then he said: 'Sanjay talked about you a lot.' After the funeral, most of Sanjay's former classmates were there. Sanjay's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher. 'We want to show you something,' Sanjay’s father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket 'They found this on Sanjay when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it.' Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Sanjay's classmates had said about him. 'Thank you so much for doing that,' Sanjay's mother said. 'As you can see, Sanjay treasured it.' All of Sanjay's former classmates started to gather around. Arjun smiled rather sheepishly and said, 'I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home. 'Prithwiraj's wife said, 'Prithwiraj asked me to put his in our wedding album.' 'I have mine too,' Rashmi said. 'It's in my diary.’ Then Deepali, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. 'I carry this with me at all times,' Deepali said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: 'I think we all saved our lists.’ That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Sanjay and for all his friends who would never see him again. 

William Arthur Ward (1921-1994), one of America's most quoted writers of inspirational maxims quoted, “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”

Most times even though we have an opportunity to say few good things about others, we avoid saying it. We do not realize how these simple things in life can make life better for another person. Bible urges us in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Because of our life’s business we do not care to positively influence others using encouraging words. We forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be. So let us take this aspect of our living seriously and tell the people we love and care for, that they are special and important. Let us tell them, before it is too late. The prime similarities of both encouragement and discouragement are that both will never be forgotten and both have the ability to impact lives one way or the other.

Always remember, encouragement leads to “empowering” but discouragement leads to “disaster.”!

Prayer: Lord, help me to be a source of encouragement to others around me and provide me those who would be a source of encouragement to me.

May your have an Encouragement-filled Day!