Encouragement

I’m writing you today to offer you encouragement in your journey wherever you are heading. We regularly work with a variety of Christian leaders and help them work through a large list of challenges. Periodically, I share generic problems of others to inspire and bring perspective. I find it interesting that the more each of us focusses on our own problems, the larger they seem – but when we look up from our challenges to others and look up to our Creator we realize the temporal nature of all with which we are daily consumed.

“Encouragement” is an interesting word. The definition in Webster’s that applies in this context is “something that makes someone more determined, hopeful or confident”. I think the meaning is clearer in this instance, however, if we break the word down.

• En – prefix meaning “put into”, “cover with” or “cause to be”.

• Courage - mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty

• Ment – state/condition resulting from (specified) action

So – if we look at the break down of the word, I think we get a better understanding of what we are supposed to do and are able to do for each other as Christians. We are supposed to encourage each other – literally put into, cover with and/or cause another to be in a condition resulting from mental and moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty. That means we can cause each other to be in a state of courageousness. We do this through Christ who gives us strength, but We are called to do this and We can do it. That is pretty cool!

I’ll tell you a secret - Sometimes I don’t feel very courageous. As a leader of my family, and leader of my business and leader of my church – I’m supposed to feel and be Strong and Courageous all the time, but I’m not. I don’t know if you can relate – but I bet if you’re honest with yourself you can. There are days that I’m on fire for achievement, on fire for relationships, on fire for God (not necessarily all the same day unfortunately), But.. somedays the challenges, unreliable people, friction, deceptions, bills, taxes, kid problems, upset spouse or heaven forbid I watch the news.. just get to me. It’s tough. I am blessed, however, to have great friends and associates who Encourage me and help me find my sometimes wavering courage, direction and wisdom. Some of our regular readers are on that list and I hope feel the same way.

What about you? Are you intentionally surrounding yourself with positive people who encourage you? Through Leaven Exchange, we are working toward building a community, a group that supplies us with tools to encourage, a process to address the challenges we all face and an unapologetic focus on Christian Faith. I am excited to be a part of it. If you are interested in learning more please contact us. In the meanwhile, pray for your brothers and sisters, encourage and find encouragement wherever you are.

Blessings to each of you – Be Encouraged!

John