Why Encouragement?

My calling had no official start date.

I can’t pinpoint the exact moment encouragement became my mission, but I know a fire has been ignited within me—one that is constantly refreshed and deeply rooted in my very spirit. It is a fire that burns for others. As I’ve journeyed through the unpredictable ups and downs of this life of mine, I’ve found that my greatest source of strength wasn't just internal; it was the lifeline of the women God aligned with me along the way.

Over time, I discovered how powerful a single word could be. Whether through listening, being present, or simply speaking life over someone, I saw firsthand how encouragement could spark change. It doesn’t require grand gestures—just a willing heart and a sincere spirit.

To me, encouragement isn’t just a word—it’s an action.

That’s where my book, Encouragement in Action, comes in. I began studying the word and its related terms to deepen my understanding. Merriam-Webster defines encouragement as both a noun and a verb. It’s support in action. Biblically, it means to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope.

Isn’t that beautiful?

Think about a moment when someone encouraged you. Maybe it was a kind word, a helping hand, or a simple presence in a hard time. That act gave you strength. It gave you confidence. It gave you hope. And sometimes, that’s all we need to take the next step forward.

Words have power. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." The words we choose can bring life, or they can destroy. James 3:5-6 also speaks to this, comparing the tongue to a small spark that sets a great forest ablaze.

We saw this recently with the wildfires in California. Reports state they started with an act of arson and grew due to climate conditions. That first spark created so much devastation that many places have still not recovered.

Our words are just like that spark. Using them wisely has profound effects. Let’s remember to think carefully before speaking and let our language be a language of love. We should work diligently to bring life and joy to those around us as we engage with them. What is one ‘spark of encouragement you can share with someone today?”