COMING OUT OF HIBERNATION

The late Truitt Cathy was known for asking “How do you know if a person needs encouragement?” His answer? “If they’re breathing!”

Well, if you’re reading this, I’m counting on the fact that you are still breathing. (If not, please call 911 ASAP.) Like most of us, you are probably thirsty for some encouragement.

Yes, it’s been a minute or two since I’ve written. I’ve missed you! Have you ever heard the expression “You can’t pour from an empty pitcher?” The turmoil of the last few years has drained many of us, me included. So, I stopped writing, feeling that my words might be sounding more like “blah, blah, blah” than providing much useful encouragement.

Recently, I was convicted by these words in The Bible from 1 Thessalonians 5:11“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” I knew it was time for me to get back to the “doing” of writing as one way to build others up. 

My hope and prayer in 2022 is that my weekly Wednesday blog posts will help to “fill your pitcher” so that you can pour more encouragement into those in your sphere of influence.

In his new book Hero On A Mission, Donald Miller asked this thought provoking question: “How much more meaningful would our stories be if, at our funeral, people talked less about our accomplishments and more about our encouragement?” It all starts with being intentional.

Maybe, like me, you have withdrawn a bit over the last several years. Hunkered down amidst our world seeming upside down. Wrapped a cloak of protection over yourself. Bought into the fear that seems to be stoked every time you turn on the TV.

Friends, it’s time to come out of hiding. Encourage someone today. Reach out. Pick up the phone and call someone you haven’t talked to in a long time just to see how they are. You might just be the ray of sunshine that someone desperately needs. And it will be life-giving to you, too, I promise!