The Resonance

Encouragement File

I’m going to risk sounding fluffy for a moment.

Over the course of a year, we hear so many words, and receive so much input from the people in our lives.  Nice words, mean words, direct words, words of encouragements, words of criticism, and then the infamous compliment sandwich (2 sugary compliment buns with a [pick your horrible noun] on the inside).

One of my favorites from this last year was an old man who complimented me after one of my talks at Vinelife.  It went something like this…

Old man: “That was a good sermon, young man.  The beginning was rough, but you really pulled through.”

Me: “Thanks, old man.” (sigh)

For whatever reason, I tend to give the words of criticism more points than the words of encouragement.  If I hear ten nice things in a day, it’s still the one critique or confusing remark that keeps me up at night.  This shouldn’t happen, but it does.  It’s probably because I’m more insecure than I’d like to admit.  I’m guessing that’s the case for you too.

Here are a few suggestions….

First, remind yourself who you are in Christ, and what He says about you.  You’re a son, you’re daughter.  Believe it.

Secondly, get over it.  

Third, start an encouragement file.  In my email I have a special folder called “Encouragement”.  Every time someone emails me something with words that are kind or truthful about who I am or what I’ve done, I store it in this file.  Occasionally, on those aweful days, I’ll mosey on through the words from people in my life who cared enough to say something.  It has helped me a ton!  Maybe because words of affirmation are my love language.  But mostly because we all need encouragement.

Fourth, email someone RIGHT NOW, and encourage them deeply.  Don’t just say some nice words to make them feel good.  Say something that they may not hear often.  Or tell them what they mean to you.  Affirm their true identity.