Unfortunately, this wonderful place where discouraging words are seldom heard is increasingly difficult to find. Much more common are places and situations where discouraging words are the norm. Perhaps fueled by the increase in negative media stories, talk shows, instant ability to post and access opinions, and polarizing politics, our quest often seems to be to do our best to discourage others, especially those in leadership positions.
The effect of the increasing presence of discouraging words on us individually and collectively is cause for concern. Each of us knows all too well how demoralizing and damaging it is to be on the receiving end of discouraging words. And, as words of discouragement are so present around us, how easy it becomes to jump on the discouragement bandwagon by criticizing others!
While it is disappointing to observe and experience this atmosphere of discouragement, we as a Christian community have a great opportunity to create a counter-culture of encouragement! We can draw from the example of Barnabus (son of encouragement), whose ministry specialty as cited often in the New Testament was encouraging others. What if Holy Cross Lutheran Ministries congregations, our church schools, the agencies of the church became “discouragement free-zones,” known in our community as a place where people are affirmed along their life and faith journey and never discouraged by the sting of words, actions, and attitudes meant to bring harm to body, mind, or spirit? Then we would truely be living loving and learning together.
I got the idea for this blog from Rich, Thanks!
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