I am very excited to be lending my stage to James Prescott today. He is one of my close friends, a strong encouragement to me, and a gifted communicator. He is giving away a revised copy of his book 5 Steps to Encouragement, along with a companion devotional. Today, he talks about how encouragement has shaped his life, and how it can shape ours too.
“But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.” (Job 16 v5)
“Look for the good and praise it.” (Unknown)
Words are powerful. They shape us. They are the catalyst for us discovering our identity, but can also create deep scars which can last a lifetime. And I’ve experienced both.
At school I was constantly told by my peers how useless I was, how I was worth nothing, not good enough. And to this day I struggle with the voices in my head feeding my those messages.
On the other hand though, my Dad asked me from the age of 12 to help him write a monthly newsletter he wrote to about 500 people – because he said I was better at writing than he was, and wanted my help. And the confidence I had in my writing gift just grew and grew. Later on, a well respected writer told me he was my biggest fan, and asked me to guest post for him.
And it’s changed my life. I have so much confidence in my writing now, and it’s largely due to those positive words spoken over me. Words of encouragement. And encouragement at its best can transform the world.
Encouragement raises us up. It makes us more than we thought we could ever be. It gives resurrection-breath to our souls. It opens our eyes to the person we were created to be and shines a light on the path towards that person.
It is like water on a plant. Without it, we don’t grow. We don’t become the beautiful flower we were created to be, to be displayed for the world to see.
A positive word, said rightly, can transform us. And all of us can do with the a positive word. No matter how confident we are, no matter what we’ve achieved, the breath of encouragement still has the power to transform us.
Of course we should never be dependent on the encouragement of others. But at the same time, encouragement can be like water to our souls.
The encouragement of others can be how God opens our eyes to our divine identity. How God gently pushes us forward to more than we believed possible.
When we’ve failed or life doesn’t turn out as we’ve hoped, the right kind of encouragement can help us see our circumstances in the eyes of the divine. Can help us see it’s not about success, status or achievement.
And remind us we have innate, infinite value and worth beyond anything we will ever know or achieve.
Questions for Reflection
How have the words spoken over you had an impact on your life?
How do you think you can use your words as a force for good in the world?
To find out more about the power of words to shape us, how we can become better encouragers, and reflect more on encouragement, take a look at the two e-books, ‘5 Steps to Encouagement’ & ‘Reflections on Encouragement’ which you can get free here.
tim gallen
a brilliant post, james. encouragement truly is one of your sweet spots as a writer. the way you write about it comes off so naturally and powerfully. it’s no wonder, of course, considering the role encouragement has played in your life.
i know you have been an encouragement to me as we have become friends, and for each one of those times, i thank you. you are so right: sometimes all it takes is one encouraging word to lift someone’s spirit.
be blessed today, mate! i am honored to call you my friend.
troy mc laughlin
“Words shape us” that’s literally how God made Adam. I’m sure that’s why words leave such indelible marks on us. I just finished the book Lone Survivor. Marcus Luttrell the Navy Seal who wrote the book shared his story of survival while on mission in Afghanistan. You know what bolstered him through his ordeal “words”. Words that he learned as a Seal, words that were imparted as a youth. Yes he was highly trained but without those words he would have given up and given into the dire circumstances he faced. Great post James. Thanks Chris for giving a fellow dude the platform. #dudewriters4ever
James Prescott
Wow, thanks Tim, really appreciate that. Really encouraging to me to know where God is leading me, and my real strengths as a writer and a person. Thanks so much. Honoured to have you as a friend too.
James Prescott
Thanks Troy for sharing this story, and for your words of encouragement. Really appreciate it.
James Prescott
Chris, thanks for letting me share here today. Really grateful for you allowing me to use your platform – you’re awesome.
tim gallen
that’s very cool, troy. even with all the training in the world, he still relied on his words to give him life and will to survive.
Shanna Delap
This was righon, Chris. At my lowest point, most of the world told me I didn’t have a chance. A couple of people had words of encouragement, which became more powerful than all the rest of the negativity. Years later, a wonderful group of people have given me enough courage through their kind words to help me accomplish things most people said were impossible. Encouragement is powerful, and power-giving.
Joan
James, you truly are an encourager. Not only by your encouraging words, but your actions. Your courage to step out and write this book encouraged me in my own writing. Thank you for being a friend and encourager.
Anne Peterson
Great post, James. Really thought you presented the basic reasons of why encouragement is so important. And I’m sure it will resonate with many. All of us can relate to negative words we’ve heard. Some of us are fortunate to cross paths with those who instead share words that uplift. I wish people realized how difficult it is when you’ve been bombarded with the negative. It’s not a matter of just forgetting it. The negative words somehow attach themselves and just drain whatever positive words we’ve heard.
Sometimes I’m tired of all the arguing, and I’m the only one here.
Thankful you are getting others to see the value in lifting others up.
Chris Morris
Shanna,
You are living proof of James’ words being so true. I know a little of you story, and it’s amazing. All because of people like Jon and Tammy believing in you
Chris Morris
You are welcome — i am a huge fan of this book James
Chris Morris
I never thought about the words of God literally forming Adam. What a powerful image there.
Chris Morris
You are so right Tim — this why I was thrilled to have James write about encouragement.
James Prescott
Thanks for this kind comment Anne, really encouraging and some wise words there. Appreciate it.
James Prescott
Wow, thanks Joan, that’s wonderful to hear. Thanks for encouraging me too.
James Prescott
Shanna, that’s an amazing story – as Chris says, living proof of encouragement being so powerful, and the impact of words on our lives. You’re a living example of the power of encouragement – thanks for sharing so honestly, and thanks for your encouragement.
Joy Lenton
James, you are a living embodiment of the power of words to change a life. And your own encouraging words have had a huge impact on all who are privileged to call you ‘friend’ ~ mine included! It really is water to the thirsty to offer a word in due season to lift and encourage others. Our souls cry out for its life-nourishing ability and we are all the poorer for not experiencing it in our formative years.
Though we can have our lives turned around at any stage by its life-transforming power. Thank you for inspiring and helping us to be encouragers and finding that we grow too in the giving out to others. Bless you! 🙂
James Prescott
Thanks Chris.
Shanna Delap
Thank you!
Shanna Delap
Thank you 🙂