Spoken Gifts
Do you see the italicized words? I couldn’t have finished writing the book without your encouragement. A dictionary doesn’t lie. The truth is in black and white!
This week I ran into someone I haven’t seen since high school. Out of the blue, he asked if I was still writing. He remembered that I loved to write in high school and they’d pass my stories around to be read. He said they were really good stories. I was shocked by his memory.
One other time this has happened. It was at the very beginning of me working on my first novel. I hadn’t seen this friend since high school either. I hadn’t told ANYONE I was writing. Just the thought of telling anyone made me shake! We’d already said our goodbyes and I was walking away when he asked if I was still writing.
What a gift these two old friends gave me. The words spoken at the beginning of this writing journey have echoed in my mind for five years. The encouragement I was given on Wednesday will stay with me for the next five at least! Those encouraging words were gifts from God.
I’ve been given so much encouragement over this writing journey. So many have asked about my writing, shown interest, asked to read my stories, prayed for me and have offered encouraging words.
I’ve been humbled time and again. How many times have I held back an encouraging word or not shared a memory? How many times have I not said anything because I think that person’s dreams are unrealistic? I’m learning it isn’t for me to decide. God has a huge plan for each one of us and if He can use my mouth to encourage, I should let Him!
To encourage someone is free. It doesn’t cost a thing.
To receive encouragement is PRICELESS. Those words will never be forgotten!
Encourage someone today!!
Sara
Good post, Sara! Encouraging words are easy to give and yet they’re priceless to the recipient. Why are we so stingy with them?
That’s what I wonder everytime I receive a kind word. I’m really trying to do better! Thanks for commenting!!
“A word fitly spoken….” It does make all the difference in the world, doesn’t it. Like rounding that last curve on the track, winded and legs so weak you don’t think you can take one more step–then someone from the stands screams….keep going…you can do it….run, run!! And suddenly there is new energy, and a new purpose to reach the finish line…because someone believes in you!! Never quit writing, Sara.
So very, very true. Thanks, Julane!
What a cool discovery in the dictionary. An encouraging word can make so much difference. I’m blessed by my writing friends – Sara, Kathy, Julane, Susie, Cherie – and others!
I actually took the picture for the word “encouragement” then I saw what it said! I just laughed because it was so fitting!!
I LIKE your dictionary! Mine doesn’t say cool stuff like that! What a good word for all of us!
It was a kids dictionary, Jeanie! I wanted the picture and that’s the only dictionary I could find this morning. Perfect!!
Imagine that example in the dictionary!
There was a woman I knew in university who supported the students in the campus ministry. You knew when you saw her that she’d have word of encouragement specifically for you. That’s how she’ll always be remembered by hundred and hundreds of graduates. What a gift to others and a legacy to be remembered by. A lovely example to try to emulate.
What a wonderful legacy to leave. She probably never even thought about that, just had a heart to encourage others.
Thank you for this important post, Sara. The blessing of “encoragement” is one of the benefits of being a part of ACFW for me–especially our local chapter. And I thrive on the support I get from my family. But just knowing we writers can build each other up is so very important.
There are a lot of great people in ACFW. It’s a good group to belong to!
Wonderful post, Sara.
Sara, wonderful post. And really important for each of us to remember how our little words can encourage others in their writing.
GREAT POST SARA! LOVE THE STORY