Encouraging Words Give Confidence

Encouraging Words Give Confidence

Gentle words are a tree of life. Proverbs 15:4

A young woman named Maya walked down the San Francisco hill to take a streetcar to the train station, where she would begin her long journey home across the country. Her mother, whom she’d been visiting, accompanied her to the trolley stop. At twenty, Maya was struggling to find her way in life but kept encountering trials and obstacles. Mother and daughter had enjoyed a cherished visit, but now it was time for Maya to return to the fray of everyday life. After kissing her daughter good-bye, her mother said gently, “You know, baby, I think you’re the greatest woman I’ve ever met.”

Her mom turned and slowly made her way up the hill. Maya waited alone for the streetcar. Suppose Mom is right, she thought. Suppose I really am somebody. That was a turning point, one of those incredible moments when the heavens seem to roll back and the earth seems to be holding its breath. It filled her heart with confidence and hope.

Maya Angelou became a best-selling poet, novelist, and eventually, poet laureate of the United States.

With her creative words and talents, she has inspired countless people to achieve their potential. But the turning point came when her mother offered those encouraging words that brought life to her daughter.

Just as in Maya Angelou’s life, encouraging words are like a stone tossed into the water. Their effect has ripples far greater than we can imagine. What ripples can you cause to touch those around you? There are people everywhere who desperately need a gentle word of encouragement: weary single moms, lonely senior citizens, stressed-out teens, and folks in our neighborhoods, schools, churches, and workplaces. Jot down the names of a few people you could encourage this week. You’ll never know the ripple effect your words can have. —CHERI

Father, I want to be an encourager. Show me those who need a word to lift their spirits. May my words bring hope and confidence.

Drop a stone into the water—

In a moment it’s gone.

But there are a hundred ripples

Circling on and on and on.

Say a word of cheer and splendor—

In a moment it is gone.

But there are a hundred ripples

Circling on and on.

—ANONYMOUS