Support.
We all need it.
And we should all give it away. And sometimes, for whatever reason, that’s hard to do.
I took a poll on Facebook, asking the simple question:
“What’s stopping us from ENCOURAGING one another?”
The responses:
Jealousy. Insecurities. Pride.
Whoa.
Pretty sure those aren’t fruits of the Spirit. Actually the exact opposite.
Unfortunately I have people in my life that wouldn’t be sad if I failed. Not that they’re out to get me (lol) but they wouldn’t be heartbroken if I didn’t succeed in these things that I’m putting my hands to. As much as that saddens me, I get it. I have those feelings sometimes. They’re fleeting and last only a split second but they come. I’m betting (because you’re a human reading this post and not a robot) that you might have these feelings too. The thing is this –> those “enemies” are the people we’re called to love on. And support. And encourage. It’s easy to love on your friends. It’s quite a different story when it’s someone who doesn’t have your best interest in mind.
I want to be the kind of woman who is known for her kindness. I want to support everyone, even when it’s hard to do. No, ESPECIALLY when it’s hard to do. I want to speak blessings on those that compete with me. I want to support small businesses that need an extra “like” on Facebook. I want to stop gossip before it starts – to be that person you don’t go to when you want to trash talk someone else. (This is an act of support too, however passive it might seem.)
I want to be someone you’d want on your team. Because I add and I don’t subtract.
And I want to support you no matter who you are.
Because I’m called to do so. And because I really do want to see you succeed!
QUESTION: How can show support for one another?? What gets in the way of that?
splendid…lindsay
I can’t nod my head in agreement enough on this topic. What would we, what could we, as mothers/wifes/coworkers/WOMEN do if we actually encouraged each other??
So great. Thanks for sharing.
I am in love with this post!!
I completely relate to every response you illustrated, and at the same time I’m like you. I WANT to encourage people. I think small business owners should look out for and support each other- not just support their own interests. I think people are inherently amazing and just forget or don’t realize it. My favorite new catch phrase is simply: “Be Amazing.” Because everyone is.
Thanks for this! <3
Great post Lindsay…I think when we are unhappy with ourselves, we take that out on others, sometimes without even knowing it. We need to encourage each other through those hard times and sometimes even more through the good times. Women need to lift each other up and celebrate our awesomeness.
This is such a great post, Linds. I don’t have a Facebook account or I would have responded. I do encourage others on a daily basis, sometimes even if it’s just my baby (who doesn’t know what I’m saying of course) when I don’t leave my house to see other humans. I try to encourage anyone who is putting forth effort to achieve something; whether it be fitness, academic, career related or spiritual. In those moments I don’t think of myself, I think of making that one person feel like the greatest, strongest person alive. I want to see people happy. I want people to feel successful. It’s not always easy to make yourself feel successful so I believe it’s important to give as well as receive encouragement. I feel like some people rub their success in other’s faces though. To some “life” is a competition and it’s unfortunate. I’d think those who are top should reach down and help others up as well. I happen to work for people like this…they encourage and help all who they know without rubbing their success in your face. I still raise them up, I love seeing them succeed. I love seeing God’s blessings and His work done through them in turn. Linds, I hope you succeed in all you do. Motherhood, fitness, your relationship with God and with your husband and now, your coffee and yogurt shop. Sorry for the book, you struck a cord that I actually think about nearly on a daily basis. Keep doing what you’re doing. Xo
I think so many of us are stubborn and hard headed a lot. We hate to admit that someone may be doing something better than we are and so on. I believe that each and every one of us has been given gifts and talents and we all should be appreciative for what we have and encourage each other along the way.
I absolutely love this, Linds! And I think you are absolutely one of those women that shines kindness and support on others. Thank you for that! xo
Great post Lindsay! Sometimes I have to remind myself that another person’s success does not take away from my own. We (I) can be so self-centered that it’s hard not to think of ourselves when it’s really only about the other person
I think we need to stop competing with each other. Another person’s success does not mean our failure. Encouraging each other and supporting people on their success can only help lead to our success.
We all need more encouragement and support! Amen to this!
Like I said on fb, I think pride is the biggest determinant, along with just a poor self-image. Those two things reflect onto how we speak about others, talk to others, and really our day-to-day choices in total. I agree that we need more encouragement and love in this world! It starts with each one of us.
Such beautiful thoughts. I try my very best to encourage others, but all your Facebook commenters are right – those things DO get in the way. Thank you for the reminder!
I used to have a secretary that kept a jar of mints on her desk with a label that said “encourageMINTS.” ;)
you got some GREAT and super true responses. I would say busyness, thinking ppl don’t need encouragement b/c they act put together all the time, and being consumed with our own stuff are big factors.
Sadly all the things you discussed in this post are true! Like others, I think that when others succeed at something that we want to succeed in or that is in “our territory,” we get jealous and insecure. Even if it’s our own friends! I think that’s kind of driven by today’s culture. But thankfully if we read scripture, we can be pointed to how we should be encouraging and building others up. It’s not always easy, but it’s certainly what the Lord calls us to do!
insecurity and pride… for some reason they go hand in hand, why? mind games by the devil, i think. ENcouragement is ALWAYS needed.. to be US, to be REAL> love this
Love this – we all as you said unfortunately have those terrible, negative feelings – I try to STOP them and pray when they fly into my head…I think prayer for them and for us is a great start to the problem!