"Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible." -Claude Bissell

By Sophia A. Nelson, special to iask, Inc.

We live in a time when an encouraging word can be hard to find--and so it was in the beginning of time, and so it shall always be with the human condition.

I have said this before but it is worth saying again--we are all too busy, too challenged, to focused on S-E-L-F to realize that the most fundamental thing God gave us was the need for interaction and support from other human beings. Of all the things I have come to understand in my 43 years on this earth, I understand more and more each day what the song writer penned so eloquently, "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world." Let's face it folks we need each other. Life is short. Life can be challenging. Life can wear us down. But life is only worth living when we have people to share it with and people who are there to uplift, encourage, and support us through the journey.

We all know intellectually that a kind word can change our entire day or outlook for the better. An unkind or malicious word can ruin it just the same. Our words matter and truth be told more damage has been done to the mind-body-and spirits of people than all the wars, physical violence, and natural disasters we can recall. I don't know about you but I have noticed as of a late an increase in hateful speech, mean words, and pettiness. There seems to be a willingness of members of the same family, in the same church even to disparage, tear down, put down and diminish the hopes and dreams of others they profess to love and care about. It is heartbreaking to watch and even harder to withstand when you are on the receiving end of such treachery. But, the good news is this--if you choose to live a life of encouragement with not just your words, but with your deeds, I promise you the pettiness of others will not be able to distract you from the calling on your life.

There is a great story in the book of Acts, chapter 15 that we should all take to heart. The story chronicles how some in the early church of the New Testament were using their words to "disturb & trouble the minds" of others by what they "said". The response of the church leaders to this disturbing news was not to respond in kind or to act in retaliation but instead to choose some men to "encourage" & "strengthen" those who were disturbed with a letter of comfort and peace. In other words they fought hateful and mean words with loving and kind words.

Encouragement is like a cool balm on a hot summer's day. We all need it, and we all must do better at giving it!

Here is my point: In a world that has grown increasingly cold and cynical, we have too often responded in kind. It is easy to respond to hate with hate. To attacks with attacks. To negativity with negativity. My proposition for you this week is to be different. Be that light that God calls you to be. Be that voice in the wilderness that encourages instead of discourages others. Speak life into people daily in small ways, as well as big ways!

Task yourself this week to be an encourager! The results will be life changing I promise!