I have been thinking a great deal about women and encouragement...this has really been on my heart lately. Our words have the power to build up or to tear down, to heal or to hurt, to bring life or to bring death...
This weekend God spoke to me big time...in a little moment in Starbucks of all places. I just love me some Starbucks (I am a sucker for those green tea lattes).
As I was approaching the counter to order my drink at my local Starbucks, I saw that this particular barista was at the register, the one who tends to be a little on the grumpy side (which could be due to my high maintenance drink order). I noticed that she had a new adorable haircut- a rounded bob that was just made for her face. I hesitated at first but I really felt like I needed to verbalize these thoughts... ... so I did.
Y'all, I wish you could have seen the gigantic smile that the simple words "I love your new haircut" produced. Her eyes lit up and she stood there thanking me over and over, while flipping her hair back and forth with a huge grin on her face. I really think this bubbly little side of this darling barista was just lying dormant somewhere... somewhere amongst the wear and tear of life.
God spoke to me in that moment...
We do not know the lives those around us live...we may think we know...but ultimately God is the only one who knows what lies within the heart. I was reminded by my new friend (the Starbucks barista) that I am called to encourage and love regardless of how unlovable or unreachable the individual may appear to be.
I believe I am called to encourage others, and I know that I long to have relationships with people who believe in me, support me, and praise me. I think it is completely wrong to withhold encouragement from one another...yes, even strangers. Gosh, this world is so stinkin' hard! Especially for women. The realm of body image and body maintenance exhausts the heck out of me. So you better believe I am going to encourage others when the opportunity presents itself. I am not talking about false flattery! I am talking about genuine encouragement that comes from the heart. Words that are prompted by truth and love.
One of my favorite books says, "Woman are the very heartbeat of the home, community,and church, and many are in desperate need of resuscitation."
I think it's time for women to seek out more opportunities to encourage one another...revive one another, speak more words that are motivated by joy, truth, humility, and love.
After all, you never know the great potential that your words may have on those around you... until they are spoken.
I hope you will join me in making a conscience effort to encourage those around you...maybe even that Starbucks barista in your own life!
-Katy Nicole
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