Take time to encourage!
by David Coggin, Barnabas Vision
I believe Rutherford County is one of the most encouraging and giving communities in the world, but we are not immune from the world’s brokenness and the struggles of life.
Take for example the above photo: The man doesn’t know there’s a snake below the ledge and the woman fails to understand there’s a huge boulder on the man that’s fighting to save her. The woman might think: “I am going to fall! And I can’t climb because the snake is going to bite me! Why can’t the man use a little more strength and pull me up!” Meanwhile the man thinks, “I am in so much pain! Yet I’m still pulling you as much as I can! Why don’t you try climbing a little harder? Please put more effort into this!”
The moral is - you can’t see the pressure the other person is under and the other person can’t see the pain you’re in. This is life, whether it’s with work, family, feelings or friends, we should try harder to understand each other. Learn to think differently, more clearly and communicate better. A little thought and a little patience goes a long way.
~ Author Unknown. (Above scenario and picture from unknown source)
Right now in our homes, community, workplace and world - so many people are facing a multitude of struggles. All too often we look inward, instead of outward, failing to see some of the struggles that others face.
Sometimes, while stuck in our own battle and blind to the struggles of those around us, we fail to offer patience. As we grow inpatient, we become upset and bitter. Soon after bitterness and anger make their way into our lives, the lens to see outward darkens, making it nearly impossible to recognize the hardships that others are trying to overcome.
So many people are facing financial struggles, health struggles, relationship struggles and on and on... So, before you react - stop and consider the difficulties the person you are reacting to may be facing.
One thing that will change the world for the better is encouragement. When people offer encouragement, it doesn’t matter what is going on – that encouragement helps those who are down overcome whatever mountain they are trying to climb.
The great thing about encouraging others is the fact that it doesn’t cost you anything, yet your encouragement is priceless to the person receiving it. Furthermore, it doesn’t take much to encourage a friend, family member, teacher, police officer or even a total stranger.
Just a few ideas: Tell someone they look nice today, help someone carry their groceries to their car and suggest “Today will be a great day,” give someone a simple thumbs up or a fist bump, send an encouraging text message, call a friend and compliment them on something positive, send good-vibes through an email, tell someone you appreciate them, smile at strangers, hold the door open for others, give more compliments and most importantly – pray for others.
If there is any way we can encourage you or pray for you, don’t hesitate in contacting any of us at Barnabas Vision. We truly live in an awesome community. Let us not ignore people, but encourage them.
Let’s be there for others and take time to encourage those around us.
Your friend,
David Coggin
Barnabas Vision
141 MTCS Rd
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Phone: (615) 556-5134
