Encouragement - The Word for This Week

Friends,

We can never forget the power of encouragement - either through word or deed. I can think of no one who may have needed encouragement more than Abraham Lincoln, my favorite president, when he served as president during the Civil War.

According to the Library of Congress , " When Abraham Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C. on April 14, 1865, he was carrying two pairs of spectacles and a lens polisher, a pocketknife, a watch fob, a linen handkerchief, and a brown leather wallet containing a five-dollar Confederate note and eight newspaper clippings, including several favorable to the president and his policies."

President Lincoln obviously treasured the encouragement he received through the complimentary newspaper articles. Because his birthday is February 12th, I always reflect upon his leadership and life during this month. I imagine him extracting the clippings from his pocket and reading them over and over as he carried the weight of our country on his shoulders during this difficult time.

May we seek to encourage our children and each other as we journey through life together! May we distribute treasured words of encouragement that others carry in their pockets and hearts each day.

With warmest regards,