“You Are Impressive”
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews10:24 NIV
Since I’m actually pretty introverted (shocker, but it’s true), I’ve had to overcome the dread of outings that involve other humans. This includes things like volunteering as a parent chaperone for school field trips. Okay, wow, that sounds so awful as I type this out; I promise I’m not a deadbeat mom. But I’d be lying to you if I didn’t admit that the idea of small talk with other parents for six whole hours comes with a hefty amount of preloaded exhaustion. I know, it sounds ridiculous. Or maybe you’re cracking up because you know this invisible struggle all too well.
Recently, though, I put on my big girl panties and signed up to chaperone a museum field trip. This time, I prayed, “Lord, help me to feel energized and excited about this. Help me bless someone today.”
Sure enough, the Lord placed two women in my path. One mom, a prominent business owner who juggles many hats, chose to chaperone while battling a tough day. The other mom, an involved and extremely present super-parent, chose to chaperone on her birthday. In their own unique and special ways, both women impressed me greatly. They showed me that even though they could’ve stayed home, they showed up anyway, despite their circumstances. After the trip was over, I sent them both individual text messages and included this simple phrase:
“You are impressive.”
Oh, how certain words can drastically change the tone of a person’s day. Both moms couldn’t contain their gratitude, and in turn, the confidence I had in my God-given purpose skyrocketed that day too. When we choose to boost someone else’s confidence, it overflows with a confidence boost within our own hearts too.
Our words have the power to bring life or death. Therefore, it is very important to choose our words wisely when speaking into the lives of others. Consider this:
Instead of breathlessly saying, “I don’t know how you do it...” say, “You are impressive.”
Instead of timidly saying, “I could never do what you do...” say, “You are impressive.”
Instead of jokingly saying, “Look at you, overachiever...” say, “You are impressive.”
If you’re not feeling confident today, choose to edify someone anyway. I promise, it’s a win-win!
Lord, give me an opportunity to encourage someone today with my words. Amen.
This is an excerpt from A Confidence That Changes Everything: Devotions to Shine Bright in This Topsy-Turvy Life, the new book by Hannah Crews!
