We all hold a box, in its confines are the areas where we’re comfortable with God operating. What’s clear is that it’s safer outside the box with God, than inside the box without Him

Karen Wilson

This week I was reminded of a reality I’d forgotten… The simple power of giving courage.

Too often I find myself praising others (Great job! You’re so pretty! Well done!) and forget that at its core, encouragement is actually about instilling courage into someone’s heart and intentionally driving out their fear.

Encourage:
v. early 15c., from Old French encoragier “make strong, hearten,”
from en- “make, put in” + corage “courage, heart”

Is my encouragement pouring in courage? Is it driving out fear? Am I simply praising (stating a fact, making a comment) or am I adding something new?

Fear weakens. Courage strengthens. Listen closely, are my words leaving people the same, or perhaps.. weaker?

My challenge for this week, which I extend to you… let’s intentionally use our words to chase fear out of someone’s heart. In its place, let’s pour in courage and watch the difference it makes.

He drew a circle that shut me out —

Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.

But Love and I had the wit to win:

We drew a circle that took him in.

-Edwin Markham

Photo cred: Riccardo Romano