Encouraged Lately?

Yesterday at Alive I stole the girls away into a quiet room for some much-needed girl time. We had some great discussion about how to mentor younger women/make disciples. One of the questions we discussed was “What is one of the most encouraging things someone you respect has ever said to you?”

The answers were surprisingly similar - “that I have a pure heart,” “that I’m genuine,” “That I am approachable…”

How about you, what is a memorable statement of encouragement that you will never forget receiving from someone you respect?

Edification

“That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word…”  - Isaiah 50:4

The art of edification, or, encouragement is not easily acquired. I know I am one that only thinks of being encouraging with great effort. I realize the mighty power of an uplifting comment everytime someone else goes out of their way to give me one. I can walk on clouds all day after receiving a genuine compliment or affirmation. I would love to be a person that “knows how to sustain the weary one with a word…”

A few years ago I was part of a womens’ retreat in which all the attendees were asked to anonymously write one physical quality and one character quality they admire for each other woman. I still have my scraps of construction paper with those comments scribbled on them about me. Every once in a while I glance at them and glow from the inside out. Sometimes we can spend so much time focusing on fixing our many flaws that we neglect to recognize our strong points.

Care to share one of your strong points? I won’t for a minute believe that you are bragging

Making Progress

Ok blog world, I have a progress report on an issue that is at the core of much of my writing.

So I have this ongoing friendship concern. I have been highly disappointed to discover that making solid, dependable, and appropriate friends is simply not the same in adulthood as it was during childhood and adolescence. It’s hard. And it doesn’t get easier just because I get more impatient and frustrated.

One of my recent attempts to tighten the friendship bonds between the women that come out to the Alive ministry is Saturday morning brunch at the local McDonald’s. Simple, non-committal, informal, and requires any amount of time a girl can afford to either pop in or sit and stay a while.

It was a good idea. In fact, it has become a very successful event. I hoped that between all 12 girls on my list to invite every week we would turn out at least a cluster and we have. I have one girl coming very reliably every week which is so helpful to me. If I know I can count on someone else to be there I don’t have to worry about sitting there alone for too long. Other girls have shown up too and the result is forming before my eyes. It’s exactly what I miss from the good ol’ college days; good, bond-forming conversation. It thrills me to watch other women find things in common with one another and gradually get more comfortable with each person there.

*sigh* what a relief!!