ENCOURAGEMENT

"But encourage one another daily... Hebrews 3:13

      We all need encouragement every day.  Kind words can make a person's day bright and cheerful.  There is such joy when you get feedback from someone you have encouraged.

      Take Barbara, for instance.  She is one of a group of students in the writer's workshop I attend.  Yesterday during break she said, "Lenore, I simply can't read aloud in class.  It scares me to death!"

      I assured her saying "Listen, the first time I had get up before a group of ladies to speak I was petrified  at the prospect!  I called practically everyone I knew and asked them to pray for me.  When the time came for me to speak I got to my feet with my knees knocking and a prayer on my lips and somehow I got through it."

       Barbara said, "But it looks so easy for you.  You read your piece with feeling, and you don't sound afraid."  I replied, "That is because I took the risk and hoped no one would laugh at me.  I don't mind people laughing with me.  I have learned to laugh at myself.  Somehow it removes the sting, don't ask me why, it just does.  Now Barbara, if I can do it so can you.  I believe in you."

       When class resumed it was time to read what we had written.  You could volunteer or not, it was up to you.  Mr. Graves, out teacher, is very gentle, always explaining in a non-threatening voice, never intimidating.

       To my great surprise Barbara raised her hand and volunteered to read a story for the first time.  When she finished everyone clapped and said how good her article was.  She was beaming with pride!  She had overcome her fear.  After class many classmates surrounded her, telling her how wonderful her story was and that she had read it with ease.  Barbara smiled and replied, "Lenore told me I could do it."

       I thanked God I was able to encourage Barbara, though I was not at all sure what I told her registering I assured her again by saying, "Barbara, you have a beautiful gift for writing.  You painted pictures for us with your words.  I can't wait to hear your next story."