I want to be an encourager of others more than anything. To support and encourage rather than judge and condemn is my life goal. It is how i want to live and how I want to be remembered. That others will say that I showed up when they needed me to be a cheerleader or a shoulder to weep on is my life mission. Jesus, Others, then Yourself is an acronym for JOY. I must spend time with Jesus and follow His steps of never being too busy or focused on my destination to pause when someone needs my presence. He set the example of being willing to be interrupted by others throughout His life.
The truth is that doctor’s appointments can be changed, a video can be watched later, and although I love a good pedicure, I can wait a day or two to get one. There are few calendar events that cannot be cancelled or changed. It is my willingness to sidestep when someone needs me that matters most. Encourage to give courage to others, to inspire them to take the next step. Sometimes it is not simply a hug but a roll up my sleeves and do the next thing along side them that will keep them moving forward.
Rather than saying I will pray for you, how about if I pick up the phone and actually pray with them right then and there. Even a texted prayer can be powerful as they can pick it up and let my words wash over them again and again. But I have to choose to show up. To poke the pause button on something on my schedule and offer my time.
Please encourage me to be an encourager. That is how we all get through life in community.
In Him,
Joyful
10-25-25
Hello encourager. That is me too. I like the JOY word meaning. One thing I did and still do is several years ago I invited some women to meet once a month at a coffee shop. We laugh, share Scripture and pray and encourage. This week we all wore purple for fun. We sit outside so we can talk privately..JOY.
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