The Power of Encouraging Words

One encouraging comment holds the power to change our perspective. An aptly spoken word can lift our head and lighten our load. I recently experienced that power of encouragement, involving shoes. But the truth penetrates much deeper than thoughts on footwear.

With my size-eleven feet, shoe shopping is not my favorite thing to do, but I needed a new pair of black flats for work. I hit the stores in town and came out potentially barefooted. I resorted to online shopping—a risky endeavor when it comes to finding a well-fitting shoe. I clicked on an ad for shoes that looked both comfortable and stylish. They had a size eleven in stock, a match made in retail heaven.

When the shoes arrived, I eagerly opened the package and slid them onto my feet. The leather was soft, and the sole cushioned my feet. No squished toes, no pinched edges. I immediately decided they were my new favorite shoes.

When I donned them for work, I stepped out of the house feeling fashionably confident. But no one seemed to notice how fabulous my new shoes were. The more I looked at them, the more unsure I became. Instead of stylish and modern, they started looking a bit more like orthopedic shoes. I ceased being a hip mom and felt like a clueless great-grandmother instead. Each time I wore them, I became less confident about my appearance. I tucked my comfortable feet under my desk, a little ashamed for choosing function over fashion.

I put my shoes on one more time, convinced the five-star reviews were posted by internet-savvy grannies. As I walked through the lobby of my son’s daycare, a well-dressed teacher said, “I love your shoes!” We talked about them for a few minutes, and I headed off to work. Something in me shifted. Now, instead of looking at my shoes with uncertainty, I stepped with renewed confidence. Someone liked my shoes! With a fashionista’s stamp of approval, I was sure I’d made the right choice for footwear.

This turn of opinion all came about because one person decided to speak up. She initiated a conversation and was generous with a compliment. Now I have a favorite pair of shoes (again).

Am I as generous with my compliments? Do I tell the lady ringing up my groceries how much I like her hairstyle? How often do I applaud my children for a positive character trait? When was the last time I sent a text to a friend just to brighten her day?

Our words hold so much power. Consider these wise words from King Solomon, all from the English Standard Version:

• Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (Proverbs 16:24)
• Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. (Proverbs 18:21)
• A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. (Proverbs 15:4)
• A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)
• Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. (Proverbs 12:25)

Sharing encouragement requires us only to be observant and bold enough to speak up. This simple act can shift someone’s attitude and change the course of their day.

As you move through your day, look for the good. Choose to speak up and share something encouraging with friends, family, and strangers. Our words can bring sweetness to a soul and add a little pep in someone’s step.

Kelly Smith is a small town girl who married a small town man. They have three children. In the quiet minutes of her day, you will find her at the keyboard or curled up with a book–always with coffee. Kelly believes we are created for community and loves to find ways to connect with other women who are walking in the shadow of the cross. She blogs at mrsdisciple.com.

Photograph © , used with permission