We Need More Encouragement Than We Realize

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I have days I don’t feel quite right. I’m sure you have those as well. You’re not physically sick, but there’s this feeling down deep in the pit of your stomach that nags at you as if to say, “something is wrong, but I don’t know what.” It’s more of a psychological issue than a physical one. Sometimes fatigue combined with stress can wreak havoc on our bodies and minds. Yesterday was one of those days for me. Interestingly, I found that for me there is a antidote to that depressing ambiguous feeling: encouragement.

Just as I was pushing through the day and pressing forward I got a call from someone who during our conversation took time to encourage me. Those were kind words that I didn’t expect to hear but they worked themselves deep into my soul and began to soothe and comfort in a way I had not expected. Within minutes, my outlook had changed and the nagging void that once bothered me for most of the day, suddenly disappeared.

I’m thankful for people in my life who bring so much healing to my soul; however, I was personally convicted about my missed opportunities to encourage others. I heard my pastor say that we judge others on their actions while we judge ourselves on our intentions. That resonated with me. I seem to judge everyone on their actions and myself on my great intentions.

I’m convicted about being intentional on becoming the encourager for those around me. I find that those who seem to “have it together” are often the ones most encouragement-depleted.

Who do you need to reach out to today and speak blessings into their lives?

encouragement friendship kindness

Comments

20 responses to “We Need More Encouragement Than We Realize”

March 15, 2011

Michael Hyatt

This is so good, Maurilio. We all have those dark days and we all need encouragement. We can’t always depend on others to encourage us when we need it, but we can take the initiative to be the encouragement others need. This is a good reminder. Thanks.

Reply
1. March 16, 2011
  
  Maurilio Amorim
  
  Mike, I often think of you as one of the most balanced and well adjusted people I know. I’m sure those of us who know you personally don’t think you need the encouragement that we all crave.
  
  Reply
March 15, 2011

Anonymous

Great reminder Maurilio. I agree and had the chance to encourage someone yesterday.

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1. March 16, 2011
  
  Maurilio Amorim
  
  That’s great. Thanks for sharing.
  
  Reply
March 15, 2011

Jason Wert

I really appreciated the way you encouraged me yesterday. I think way too often people forget the power of a simple encouraging or appreciative comment. If you try to make others feel as special as you want to feel yourself then you can make a lot of positive difference in the world.

Reply
1. March 16, 2011
  
  Maurilio Amorim
  
  Thanks Jason. Still praying for you.
  
  Reply
March 15, 2011

Anonymous

I had a similar situation happen to me yesterday. It wasn’t a long conversation, nor really a conversation at all.nnMy former pastor donated money to help me go to Czech and, when I sent him a thank you for it, he replied back in email and said that him and his wife believe in me.nnThat did a lot to encourage me.

Reply
1. March 16, 2011
  
  Maurilio Amorim
  
  That’s great, Jason.
  
  Reply
March 15, 2011

Tom Jamieson

Maurilio, thanks for being so open, transparent, and, well, real. You are definitely an encouragement to me. Thanks for sharing!

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1. March 16, 2011
  
  Maurilio Amorim
  
  Thanks for being part of the conversation, Tom.
  
  Reply
March 15, 2011

Mike Thacker

Good reminder Maurilio. It’s easy for us to lose perspective which leads to temporary depression. Our lost perspective and wrong thinking about ourselves or our circumstance can often be set right with a little dose well timed encouragement.

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1. March 16, 2011
  
  Maurilio Amorim
  
  I’ve learned God’s timing is impeccable.
  
  Reply
March 16, 2011

Susan Wilkinson

Maurilio, your last sentence is insightful and very true. Thanks for saying it out loud. It’s a message that needs to be shouted. nnGreat post.

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1. March 16, 2011
  
  Maurilio Amorim
  
  Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
  
  Reply
March 16, 2011

Tammie

Well said and well received. I think you were speaking of me. Thank you for your words–very encouraging–for this encourgement-depleted person. You hit it right on the head. My pity-party isn’t going to help me.

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March 22, 2011

Kevin Banks

Maurilio,nnI truly believe that we all need a lot more encouragement. I see so many people, myself included, who are too focused on themselves to acknowledge the good in others. As you pointed out, a few simple words can go a long way.

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December 2, 2011

Robin Bright

So insightful. I absolutely love this. I stumbled upon your blog because I was so affected by a client who simply told me “I believe in you” yesterday. I am determined to be a voice of encouragement in the lives of others today, and always.

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September 17, 2013

Pete Wilson

You encouraged me on Sunday and it meant the world to me. You’re probably better at this then you realize.

Reply
1. September 17, 2013
  
  Maurilio Amorim
  
  Sunday’s message spoke to me in such a powerful way.
  
  Reply
September 18, 2013

Lawrence W. Wilson

One of my mentors gave me that same experience by closing an e-mail with the words, “You are loved and appreciated.” I now try to spread them around wherever possible. You never know who needs to hear that affirmation.

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