Words of encouragement

One of my favorite people in the world is Sonya Land. Sonya is a precious friend that lives in Alabama. She and her husband Richard lost almost everything in hurricane Katrina. A few short months later her husband was murdered in a senseless burglary gone wrong. He was murdered by a 15 year old boy.

I was blessed to have Sonya come to Fredericton a year and a half ago and she shared with the teens of our youth ministry. She talked about love and forgiveness and hope in the middle of dark times. She was and is such an inspiration.

She would have many reasons to be mad at God and mad at the world. Not Sonya. She loves the Lord and continues to be used by God to bring hope and encouragement. She did it again today!!!

She learned of an initiative being undertaken by one of our teens to reach out to people in need. She wrote to encourage this teen as well as other teens in Fredericton, and told them how proud she was of them. I know everyone that read her comments, that truly knows Sonya had a smile on their face. Why? Because they know she is a genuine person and a true encourager.

I think there are times when we think we can go through the motions when we "encourage people". We say things like "good luck" and that is supposed to be encouraging? What if we said things like," I believe in you", or" you are special and we are proud of you" or "I know you can do that with God's help".

The reality is this: Our words are powerful. When a person with integrity speaks, I want to listen. I am encouraged by them. I want to be around them.

If people don't want to be around you, take a few minutes and consider the words you say, the look on your face and whether or not you are an encourager or discourager.

Thanks Sonya for being an encourager!!!