I attended nine schools before junior high school. All of those schools and teachers are a little fuzzy in my memory, with the exception of one teacher.
In seventh grade, my English teacher asked me to stay after school. After reading essays and stories I had written, she encouraged me to write more. Her name is the only teacher’s name I remember from all those years of attending different schools. I have never forgotten her or her encouragement.
As an adult, I have enjoyed writing and teaching Bible studies in churches and conference settings. Through my husband’s encouragement, I have written books, established websites and am always working on other writing projects.
I am convinced none of this would have taken place without encouragement. I have my husband to thank as well as friends and family who encourage me to continue. Those who encourage others have a vital part in their work.
I am not alone in this. Most of us wither a little when someone discourages us. All of us thrive on the encouragement of those we know and love. Recently I read an interview with a best selling author. She said the most encouraging words she had received were from her eight year old grandson who said, “Grandma, you are a good writer.”
Never underestimate the value of encouragement.
God’s word can encourage you each time you read it. He also wants His children to strengthen and encourage one another.
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT).
One Focus Ministries 