A TwistedChristian Dad

Encouragement is something everyone could use a little more of in their lives. My wife is the main source of encouragement in my life, but it also comes from other people, be it at work, church, or from family and friends. Encouragement is important to me, and I love using it to build other people up.

I’m really working on living a more positive and encouraging life. When I do and say things I try to keep in mind, “is this going to build them up, or tear them down?” This has become a very important mantra to how I go about my life.

I try to live my life so that I’m giving glory to God in everything I do. Now that sounds kind of cheesy, and I’m not one of those folks who avoids anything on TV that isn’t religious or only listens to Christian radio (though I do listen to Christian radio, but that is b/c I enjoy it) nor will I condemn people for not living the way I do. It’s just me doing my own thing trying to improve the lives of those around me. I believe that authentic encouragement is one of the best things you can do for someone, and so that’s what I strive to do.

Sometimes it is hard to be encouraging because there is so much cynicism in the world. It is easy enough to be encouraging on occasion, but when it happens frequently, it is often interpreted as insincere, as though that much encouragement couldn’t come from one person that often. This is especially noticeable in the online world. In the real world it is easier to read their body language and tone to interpret sincerity, it is harder online. Add the whole social practice that guys aren’t supposed to be emotional and shit like that.

This is something I struggle with on Twitter and Facebook, but I’m working on. I’m not a negative person, but it is easy to get sucked into it in the virtual world, and it is even harder to show that your encouragement is sincere and authentic. That you really do care about the person and want them to know that. Especially when coming from a guy as guys are supposed to be these tough serious folk that don’t display emotion.

I keep plugging away though. I let folks know when I appreciate them, the things they do, and the things they say. I support people with or without them asking, and try to give them encouragement when they need it most. I don’t always succeed, and though some people may think it sounds cheesy or insincere, I never am. I try to always build people up, never to tear them down. If I fail at this, be sure to let me know and hold me accountable.

This is also a lesson I want to teach to my son. Word of encouragement can turn someones day around. They are so powerful, and so easy to say. For some, it can be as little as saying hi to them in the morning. For others asking how they are doing and actually listening to their answer is enough. A kind word when they don’t seem to be doing so well, or a compliment on their appearance, work they did, or whatever. There are so many ways to encourage people, and I want my son to see this demonstrated in my life. I believe actions are far more powerful than words, and if my son sees me living this out in my day-to-day life, I’m hoping it will just become ingrained in him. He doesn’t understand it now, and can’t do anything but be cute, but one day he’ll learn. One day he’ll be a positive influence in the lives of those around him.

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