In Courage
When we encourage someone they go out “in courage.” Pretty cool thought. Recently I had the opportunity to encourage a 3rd grade girl. She was in tears during lunch. When I asked her what was wrong, she told me a boy had called her fat. I looked at her and said, “What he said does not matter. You are a beautiful girl. In fact, what everyone else thinks or says about you does not matter either. What matters is what YOU think and say about yourself.” I pointed to my heart and said, “This is what matters.”
For many weeks after the incident this little girl would pop up around me when I was making my rounds. She would just stand there quietly smiling up at me. I let her talk to me and gave her my full attention despite the busy activities going on about me. I truly believe that these small moments will help her form a positive self-identity, Everyone wants to be loved for who they are. Now I have a BFF. :o)
There was a story in the Bible about a great warrior named Gideon. The funny thing about the story is that when God called him to battle, he was hiding in a cave and threshing wheat in a winepress! Not exactly the picture of a great warrior! But you know what the Angel of the Lord said? He did not make fun of him, call him a wimp, or anything derogatory. He called him “A mighty man of valor.” I think Gideon needed to be reminded that he WAS a mighty man of valor despite the circumstances. Gideon went on to defeat the enemy with just a handful of men…and the help of God, of course.
We have the opportunity to send people out in courage every day. Take the opportunities when you see them The results are remarkable because they can last a lifetime.
Shalom!
Dan Skognes