Originally posted 2017-08-14 19:14:29.
Hi!
Well! It is Countdown Day-15. There’s so much on my mind. Yesterday, our First Lady hosted a SisterLink2 event after service. We wore our, “I am my Sister’s Keeper” t-shirts. There was food; teams developing lyrics on the spot; singing; questions; panel discussions; an awesome guest speaker; and much laughter. We had a wonderful time.
As the coordinator of the Women’s Committee; I was ecstatic. It was wonderful to see the ladies’ hard work to carry out our First Lady’s vision; come into fruition. The event blessed the attendees. It was sheer joy to see the glee on the women, and our First Lady’s faces.
Reflecting on the weekend, took my thoughts back to Saturday.
That’s when a question came on my mind. It’s still in my thoughts today. It says, “When was the last time you received a flood of encouraging words in one day?”
It’s an absolute confidence enhancement to receive admiring personal remarks from others. Especially when three Millennials do the complimenting. Somehow, when the younger generation gives you kudos; it makes a Baby Boomer’s day. It also boosts your tenacity. That’s the kind of day I had Saturday. It was a day filled with encouragement.
My oldest son Justin and I went to an Italian restaurant for lunch. We laughed and talked. We spent much-needed mother and son time.
I love my sons.
While we ate; Justin asked me to video myself singing the Golden Girl’s theme song. “Noooooooo,” is what I told him. He said, “Mama, you can sing!” That’s so encouraging. I appreciate his kind words; but my singing is only exposed to the walls in the shower. That’s it! At least, that’s what I thought.
A build up is happening!
Then, one of the young ladies at church, who I’ve taught in the ministry classes; texted me. She let me know; she’s moving out-of-state in a few days. I wished her well; and told her, that we will miss her. The reply she sent, did my heart well.
She texted; “You’ve helped me a great deal in my spiritual walk. You are truly appreciated.” That’s a wonderful compliment. It’s truly a blessing for The Lord to use you to help others in their spiritual walk; especially in a young person’s life.
The Lord really has a way of helping you combat spiritual warfare.
Just as the enemy attacked my mind; my cousin Mindy, from St. Louis, texted me. Early Saturday morning, I had texted her a link to one of my post from last year. It’s entitled, “Why Haven’t You Thrown In The Towel?” The post has remarks from Mindy in it. When I reread it; I thought of Mindy. So, I asked her to read it when she had time.
Mindy’s response brought the biggest smile on my face. She wrote, “Hi Rochelle! I am blessed! I miss our talks as well; and I miss you like crazy! Thank you for re-sharing that blog with me. I really needed that reminder! Rochelle I really thank God for you and your gifts that you use. 
You inspire me to BE! Keep being the inspiration that you are to myself and many others!! Love you!”
She wrote more; and gave me credit for reasons why she is pursuing other endeavors. But, I don’t think it is for me to share her personal business with the world. That is her prerogative; and I am not including it in this post. But I wish Mindy much success.
I am so thankful to God for these three Millennials. My son, Justin; the young lady at my church; and my cousin Mindy really encouraged me. Their words help a not-so-young woman like me; to keep on doing what I’m doing.
“Encouragement” is the word flowing in the atmosphere today.
My friends, I guess by now, you know, the word for today is, “Encouragement.” Don’t you think we all need encouraging from time to time? It helps in so many ways.
My son’s encouragement helped me loosen up and not be concerned about what people think. Before service; some of the committee members and I were preparing for SisterLink2. One of the sisters played a video of her singing the challenge jingle. So, I mustered up the nerve to give it a shot; and sing the jingle with my soft off-key voice.
It was a blast. I kept forgetting the words to the jingle. So, one of the young ladies stood in back of me, to tell me the words, as I sang. The sister who recorded the video, sent it to me; and posted it on her social media accounts. We laughed; and I went on into service.
More encouragement came when the young lady I mentioned earlier, and my cousin Mindy texted me. Their words helped me see that my service of teaching is not in vain. Their heart-felt comments reminded me to keep walking comfortably in my skin.
My friend, what about you?
Who encourages you? How do others give you a push to step out of the box? Who is reaching out, to help you come up?
Do you need encouragement? Do you want encouragement? Who do you encourage? Do you see the relevance in encouragement? In my humble opinion; I think we all need encouragement. Even when we don’t think we need it.
How does “Encouragement” speak to “How You Remember God’s Personal Promises to You?”
This morning, I woke up with an excruciating headache. There was a pounding on the side of my head where the surgery was performed. The enemy sprouted fear of another aneurysm. But God! The Lord reminded me to read his personal promises: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV)
“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” (Isaiah 43:2 KJV)
The Word of God gives the greatest encouragement. God is fulfilling promises to help me trust Him. God is helping me spring beyond walls of fear, grief, and self-consciousness,
My friends, what and who encourages you? Is it…
- The Word of God?
- Compliments from younger or older people?
- Well-wishing family members and friends?
- Assignments from leaders?
- Calls for your advice?
- Insults and snide comments from haters?
- Remarks from strangers?
Think about it. Positive and negative moments and encounters can encourage you. It is up to you to let them urge you to: “Bloom! Expand! Discover! Experience!”
This journey is interesting and filled with expectation. I am looking forward to countdown Day-14. More personal promises shall be realized; and more layers peeled back. Thank you Ki!
Thank you for joining me today. Tell me: “How do you remember God’s personal promises to you?” We’ll talk soon.
Blessings!
Rochelle
