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Five Minute Friday: Encouragement



Five Minute Friday is a writing event that has hundreds of writers spending five minutes writing on the same topic and then sharing them at http://lisajobaker.com/. This week's word is Encouragement. 


What if everything we spoke was words of encouragement to each other? When talking about people, what if we only sang their praises instead of pointing out their faults and misfortunes. I've thought about this a lot lately because recently I've been the victim of the opposite. Something said in confidence to a friend turned into information used as currency to gain favor or "cool points" with others. This was hurtful but it also served as a mirror, a reflection on how I speak about others. It was a reminder that I should watch my tongue and only speak encouraging words about people. Or better yet, quit talking about people.

I don't know why we relish the thought of tearing each other down. Why do we choose to gossip about people instead of focusing on the positive? We should all be on the same side, building each other up and encouraging others to see the good in themselves and those around them.

I'm going to try to do better at encouragement. I'm hoping that my actions are contagious and that words become a salve used to heal and not a weapon used to wound.

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  1. PaulaJanuary 17, 2014 at 11:58 AM

    I have often thought about this myself. And I am guilty of it as well. We all are! But we, women, seem to be hardest on each other. I am going to join you in trying to be more encouraging to others. But I also would like to become more gracious of accepting encouragement. Because I think I am one of those who can do it ALL ALONE! Thank you for encouraging me today!

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    Replies
    1. AndreaJanuary 17, 2014 at 1:02 PM

      You are so right. We are hard on each other. Thanks for joining me and I'm so glad this post was encouraging to you!

      Delete
  2. AnnetteJanuary 17, 2014 at 12:10 PM

    so true eh? How we can tear each other down so easily? Let's build each other up as God calls us to. :)

    Stopping in from FMF. :)

    Annette @ A Net In Time (http://anetintimeschooling.weebly.com/a-net-in-time-blog.html)

    ReplyDelete

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