Tomorrow would be my father’s 99th birthday if he were alive (he died 15 years ago). But his legacy lives on. You see my father was great at encouraging others. At his funeral, people talked about what a great “Encourager” he was. So what exactly is encouragement? It comes from the French word “encorgier” which means make strong, hearten. It means to give a person courage or confidence.
Practically speaking, it means to look for the good in someone and compliment or appreciate it. There is a sticker for children that says “catch them being good”. All to often we focus on the faults and shortcomings of others. Thank the overwrought clerk for helping you. Comment on how well she handled that irate customer that was inline in front of you. Tell your children how much you love them . Look for their strengths and talents and help them develop them. Tell your friends how much their friendship means to you. Even if that aunt drives you up the wall, you can always appreciate something about her like the beautiful scarf she is wearing. But the important thing to remember about being an encourager is that you are also a ‘truth teller”. In other words, be sincere and honest. For e.g. don’t compliment unless it is truly what you feel or like.
These are just a few suggestions as to how to be an “encourager”. For more ideas try www.wikihow.com/encourage-people.