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Who Encourages Me?
That's My Goal!
Last week I experienced a great opportunity. Someone I had mentored for more than 15 years extended an invitation to pray the blessings over her as she launched her new blog. As I stood there anointing her hands and blessing the endeavor she was to reveal that evening, I couldn't help but reflect back on the years since we met.
In the mid-90's I remember coming into her acquaintance. At the time she was a young woman who had not completed her college course requirements. Yet, she was one of the best writers/editors I had ever encountered. As an encour ager all of my life, it was natural for me to urge her to go back and get her degree. Not only was she an incredible writer, but she was a great Mom as well. Overtime, she did just that. She went back and got her degree. Hallelujah!
In her program she identified me as a person who provides her with advice and drove her to Detroit to begin her career as a copy editor for the Detroit Free Press in 2001. That evening I was quite proud of the success she had become and knew that there was only more for her.
Along the journey in our lives we encounter many people who cheer us along and encourage us. As an innate encourager you may not always say what the person wants to hear; but you will say what they need to hear. You realize that providing feedback is more about listening than it is about speaking. You know when to speak and when not to keep your mouth shut.
Modern day encouragers are labeled as "coaches" and "mentors". In essence, they are just like Barnabas in the Bible, they are encouragers. It is these individuals who help you down the paths of life. They are the ones who will open doors for you and walk alongside you as you meander your way trying to make sense of it all in fulfilling your reason for existing and becoming the best you can be.
Encouragers are willing to get in your face and say the things that you don't want to hear. They are willing to help you deal with the things that are hidden behind the shelves collecting cobwebs. It is the encouragers who instruct you to pull them out, deal with them so you can progress forward.
We all have them. They are in your face screaming and hollering, and yes, at times forcing you to take a realistic look in moving you from pessimism to optimism on your journey to achieve optimum success. It is peering beyond the exterior to envision all God had for you and then to set out on a journey to walk with you, and at times pulling you, to make sure you arrive at your destination.
You see, on that fateful day back in 2001 as we drove up the highway to Detroit, I had no idea the magnitude of what was to come for Oneita Jackson as a Copy Editor Intern at the Detroit Free Press. I had no idea that she would become the voice behind the "O Street Blog" and ultimately become an award winning columnist. I had no idea that she would launch her own blog, oneitabigmouth.com, and there would people who celebrated her because she gives a voice to those who may be voiceless. I did know that there was greatness in her and that is what I encouraged over the years.
Even now, I envision the same for you. God has so much for you. But you must make the first step and move towards it. Go behind the shelf, blow the cobwebs off and let's begin a journey to your success!
Copyright � 2011. All Rights Reserved.
Jacqui A. Showers., The Showers Group Ministries
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