I Choose to Encourage

August 24, 2012 in Dreams, Guest Posts, Life, Uncategorized with 24 Comments

Photo by Cas_KS (Creative Commons)

Pilar Arsenec is a legal secretary by day and a writer by night. On her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, writing, singing and cooking. You can connect with her on her blog, Ordinary Servant, www.ordinaryservant.com. 

Encourage: to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope.

I like that definition . . . to inspire with courage.

Well, I definitely like to inspire, but I’m not quite sure about the courage part.

I  love to read or watch stories of ordinary people who overcame great odds and succeed in their dream.

There is nothing more inspiring.  I simply can’t get enough of it.

These stories give me hope. They help me keep going and not give up.

I can recall many times in my life where I just wanted to call it quits. I was struggling with depression and felt hopeless.

Everything around me looked grey. I couldn’t see a light at the of the tunnel.  I didn’t believe things would ever get better or change for me.

I’m thankful for all the saints God sent my way to pray and encourage me in my darkest hour.

I believe their prayers and encouragement got me through it.

You never really know what another person is going through.

They could look fine on the outside, but be in total despair on the inside.

Never underestimate the power of a smile.

You just never know what a simple smile or hello can do for someone suffering from depression or hopelessness.

This is why I encourage others as much as possible.

What is one thing you can do today to help encourage someone?

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  • Yvette Carol

    Hi Jim *waves*
    Although I don’t get any replies from you since your blog changed, I still believe in you! Keep doing a good job for people. :-)
    your friend, Yvette

    • http://unknownjim.com/ Jim Woods

      Hi Yvette! Didn’t know you couldn’t see my replies! Thanks so much for the encouragement!! You are awesome!! Hope you are doing well!

      • http://www.facebook.com/yvette.carol Yvette Carol

        Hi Jim! No, I haven’t received a single reply from you since the appearance of your blog changed. I couldn’t figure out the joining up with Disqus bit so I didn’t do that, would that be why? I have to come on to your blog, scroll down to find the earlier posts, then click on them, and scroll down to the comments section to find your reply. Anyway, I have to say , it’s taken half the fun out of it, which is why I only comment sometimes now. Yeah, I’m good. How’s your wife’s pregnancy with bubba no. 2? Hope things are going well at yours… :-)

  • http://www.jonstallings.com Jon Stallings

    I always prefer the way of the encourager. I am always grieved by those who think they have the best solution to live but they spend more time tearing other down. – Today I will respond with encouragement by looking for the positive in others.

    • http://www.ordinaryservant.com/ Pilar Arsenec

      Amen Jon, that is so true. I have been victim of others tearing me down. It’s beautiful that you are an encourager. God bless you!

  • http://www.tammyhelfrich.com/ Tammy Helfrich

    You are a great encourager! I am right with you. Stopping to realize that one smile or hello can make a difference is such a great thing. I also realize that God often prompts me to do something simple. When I listen and obey, I have usually instantly known why He wanted me to do it. Keep up the great work of encouraging people!

    • http://www.ordinaryservant.com/ Pilar Arsenec

      Oh Tammy, you definitely have the gift of encouragement. You have been such a blessing to me. Thank you for everything you do.

  • Pingback: Guest Post: I Choose to Encourage

  • http://jonstolpe.com/ Jon Stolpe

    Intentionally dating my wife. Tonight, I chose to encourage my wife by taking her on a surprise date. She is the greatest encourager I know, and she deserves so much more encouragement from me.

    • http://www.ordinaryservant.com/ Pilar Arsenec

      Amen. I pray you have an awesome date with your wife. How wonderful!

    • http://www.tammyhelfrich.com/ Tammy Helfrich

      That’s awesome, Jon!

    • http://unknownjim.com/ Jim Woods

      Jon, that rocks. Get those brownie points when you can :) Hope you all have a nice time!!

  • http://dailygallen.com/ tim gallen

    i too find inspirational stories encouraging. i can totally relate to the feelings of wanting to quit, as well as depression and hopelessness. but god surrounded me with an amazing wife and friends and family that kept encouraging me even though i felt like just sinking into numbness.

    i find it immensely satisfying encouraging others. i wasn’t always this way, though. but i’m glad i’ve started to turn around on that.

    thanks for a great post, pilar!

    • http://www.ordinaryservant.com/ Pilar Arsenec

      Hey Tim, nice to meet you. I am so glad you have a good support system. I think by going through the hopelessness and feeling alone, brings out of us compassion. I believe this is what propels us to encourage others. Thank you for commenting. :)

  • http://denisedilley.blogspot.com/ Denise Dilley

    You’re a great encourager, Pilar!

    Just being there for one another & showing kindness goes a long way.

    Today I’m going to try to encourage at least one person!

    • http://www.ordinaryservant.com/ Pilar Arsenec

      Amen, you are a great encourager too my friend.

  • http://chrystalmurphy.com/ Chrystal

    Great reminder Pilar. Sometimes I get so caught up in what I’m doing I forget to encourage those around me.

    • http://www.ordinaryservant.com/ Pilar Arsenec

      Thank you. It’s ok, Chrystal, life gets busy sometimes. :)

  • http://josephiregbu.com/ Joseph Iregbu

    Totally agree with you, Pilar. Sometimes all it takes is to show up, be there and let others see and feel your presence. Changing the world isn’t so much about numbers but firstly people (starting with one). Thanks for sharing.

    • http://www.ordinaryservant.com/ Pilar Arsenec

      Amen brother! Well said. Blessings to you.

  • http://www.eileenknowles.com Eileen

    You are so right, Pilar. A smile goes a long way. Sometimes words aren’t even necessary.

    • http://www.ordinaryservant.com/ Pilar Arsenec

      And you have a nice smile my dear friend. Love you!

  • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

    Pilar, encouragement is something I struggle hard with. What would you recommend to become a better encourager?

    • http://www.ordinaryservant.com/ Pilar Arsenec

      Joe, just be yourself. You are a great guy. You have been an encouragement to so many of us. Like now for instance, you took the time to comment. You just showed up and you encouraged me. Thank you.