OH my dear. Day 2 and I did not have an easy time together.
I've always felt like I am one of those people who knows a little about a lot of things, which is definitely not the definition of an expert.
BUT after some soul searching I did come up with something:
I, Brittany Bullock, am an expert at making others feel good about themselves. AKA encouragement!
God tells us that we are all blessed with unique spiritual gifts that are to be used to glorify Him.
Romans 1:11
For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you -
1 Peter 4: 10-11
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies - in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
There's actually a handy resource known as a "spiritual gifts inventory" that helps you determine what your spiritual gifts may be.
Anyway, I took the survey a few years ago and wouldn't you know that the gift of encouragement ranked the highest on my survey. Convenient.
God also tells us that we're CALLED to encourage others!
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Not only are we called to build one another up, but do it according to THEIR needs. That takes thought. One friend may like to be encouraged about their physical appearance while another loves it when someone compliments a project they've been working on.
But let's be real, we all know HOW to encourage others, it's just hard because we have pride. I definitely fail at encouraging someone when I'm in a bad mood or I've had a bad day. That would be pride getting in the way. WHY would I want someone else to feel bright and bubbly when I feel like the grumpy old man from UP (in the beginning, not the end, duh)?
It can also be outside of our comfort zone to give someone a compliment. But it's worth it. Be uncomfortable for a minute.You'll get over it. Swear.
Think about how great you feel after someone has paid you a compliment for no reason! Or told you how great they think you're doing at work!!
Maybe if someone had paid Ursula a few compliments she wouldn't have been so insecure and felt the need to steal Ariel's voice!
If Mufasa and Scar's parents had just shown some positive attention to Scar maybe he wouldn't have been so jealous of his bro! I can't even talk about how that ended. That movie is traumatic.
And do you think that Forrest Gump would have run soooo fast and so well if little Jenny wasn't telling him to "run Forrest, run!" Probably not!
Truly, your compliments or words of encouragement can turn someone's day/week/life around. And we're glorifying God when we're building up His children!
Also, it doesn't have to be fake! Don't think that you just have to shower the world with rainbows and daisies. As LOVELY as that would be, just be real. If you see someone on the street and you love their shoes, tell them!!! Although, let's use good judgement here, people, if they're on the phone or having an argument....just pass. Get them the next time.
If you see your friend on Facebook doing something awesome, tell them! It literally takes VERY little of your time but the effects of your words last for SUCH a long time!!
Another added bonus of encouraging others: it gives you a little boost as well! Bringing a smile to someone's face adds years to your life. (this has to be true) It's a win, win!!
TRUE STORY: 2nd semester of my senior year in college, I was in a class with some of my best friends taught by a truly rare and special woman named Zeva. On our last day of the semester we all sat in a circle while Zeva read a poem out loud. (I went to school for musical theatre, OK?! But if you think that sitting in a circle and sharing with your friends isn't AWESOME, then think AGAIN.) When she was finished we each took a handful of index cards and on each card we wrote something special/encouraging/wonderful about each of our classmates. After we finished our dazzling notes of encouragement, we went around and glued each card onto the proper person's poster board. At the end of the class we had our poster board of love read to us by a fellow classmate. This memory will live with me forever. And as you can see from the photo below, my board of love is still very much intact and visible in my home.
Encourage others!! We all have the ability! All it takes is a little
Allllllright. Before I perform a full on Care Bear Stare, I'm outta here.
You're all wonderful. And you're so good at reading :)
- Brit
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