Nov 09
10
Encouragement Even When Paradise is Lost
Our guest blogger this week, Jean Sabin, has become a fast friend to our family. She loves jogging outdoors and singing karaoke with friends and family; she enjoys and appreciates all mediums of art, and her favorite color is pink. She is sensitive to the needs of others and is often looking to help those around her. Though we have yet to meet face to face, we feel a kinship with her and are grateful for her contribution to MPower those around her.
Today I had to come to the realization that sometimes we can’t have it all, but only have what God wants for us. A great friend of mine likes to coin the phrase “you can push and pull God’s hand, but he moves it on his own so much easier.” He also utilizes his scriptures more than anyone I know; he would never admit it that his favorite verse is Psalm 25:9–”He teaches the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.”
If there is anyone who has been humbled in the past few years, it is my friend Dre. But none more so than the past few months. He has survived two life-threatening surgeries–and has had to bury a best friend–and a childhood friend–within days of each other. He even has had to lose his job due to his health. But he was always grateful for what God has given him. He always has a positive outlook on things, and, as he says, “just tries to love life for what it is.” This is a man who at one point (not too long ago) had it all–the girl of his dreams, the job he always wanted, and the house that he thought up. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have any of that anymore yet he is still grateful for what God has given him.
I love this man, and in many ways I am in awe of what he has had to endure. Today he had to face failure (now I have known this man almost my entire life and I can’t remember him ever failing at anything he puts his mind to, but today unfortunately he failed an exam that he really wanted to pass so that he could work for a company that he has always wanted to work for but as I previously mentioned he didn’t get what he wanted).
Sometimes having to be there for our loved ones in their time of need could be as simple as making them comfortable or just by letting them grieve. Anyone who has dealt with failure knows the value of encouragement, yet all too often we are quick to point out the mistakes and failures of others rather than their successes and the things they do well. Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement,” was a person who grasped the enormous value of blessing others with words. He came alongside believers in the midst of trials and troubles of all kinds, and he encouraged them to press on and to be all that God had called them to be.
The value of lifting up the hearts of men and women is immeasurable. Encouragement strengthens character, increases confidence in God, develops loyalty, deepens faith, and stimulates joy. We as women have a choice each day about whether our daily lives will be marked by encouragement or discouragement. May we earn the same reputation as that of Barnabas.
Love you! K.
