Your words matter

Kari reflects on the power of words, in words of encouragement. My wonderful wife concludes:

"Please hear this:  What you say to others can change the course of history.  Speak life!  Speak encouragement. And if we are in a position of authority, don’t be threatened by those underneath!  It is our responsibility as leaders, parents, teachers, mentors, to raise up the younger generation.  Our goal is that they would be better, smarter, and more influential than we are.  If our goal is simply to protect our status, to guard our carefully constructed identity, we will miss out on raising up the next generation of leaders who will change our world for Christ.  As a youngster, who has just received one of the most encouraging talks of my life, I can attest to the fact that being believed in is one of the most powerful things in the world.  I pray that we would look for ways to encourage, build up, and call out the valuable gifts we see in others.  You never know how God might use your words, and who He might raise up in the process.  And don’t forget to thank those along the way who have believed in you."

• Read the whole thing: "Being Believed In "