“You are an amazing woman of God with beautiful gifts, and God’s call is very evident in your life,” the card read. To my 23-year-old self, those words were like water to my purpose-thirsty soul.
Today, over 10 years after a beloved mentor penned that message, I still have that card. Her words live on, encouraging me and producing fruit in my life. In some ways, her words carry even more meaning now than they did when I first received them. And I suspect they have had a far greater impact than my friend ever anticipated.
Our words have the power to bring life to the people around us. This truth is affirmed in Proverbs, where we read, “A gentle tongue is a tree of life” (15:4 ESV). Because we don’t always see the results of our words immediately, it’s easy to underestimate their impact. But, like a tree, our words often start as seeds that require time to take root and bear fruit.
And just as sowing a natural seed requires faith that it will grow, so planting kind words requires faith to believe they will, in time, make a difference.
Your words may seem insignificant to you now. However, your encouragement might give a tired heart the very strength it needs to make it through another day.
Who knows the destiny you might unlock when you point out a child’s strengths?
Who knows how your wise advice might help a friend avoid a painful mistake?
As I contemplated my mentor’s card, I realized that I have never told her what a difference it made to me. So I’ve determined to write her a note to let her know.
What words of life have you planted lately? Consider how you might plant some life-giving words for someone today. And one day, you may just find yourself on the receiving end of a similar note from someone you took the time to encourage!
2 comments
I am so encourage an inspired by your words! I am glad I ran across your page! I feel so much better when I sit an have time too read how others go through so of the same tasks that I face each day ! Gods word is forever with me I am decayed too him an I love him with an everlasting love! He gives me joy I receive it an it make it all the better as I go through this bump road ! My daughter is Muslim an she’s 18 years old at this age they want to do what they want they don’t want no rules! So days it’s a real struggle! Then there days that go so smoothly ! I am want too be able too understand all adult children at her age so I can help them grow ! She doesn’t believe in the god I serve but I am learn too be okay with that by me reading out loud an so the love of Christ too her ! An always praying on her ! God will change her I see some changes in her! I am so thankful she’s in my life I just what the best for her she’s growing in too a woman an she so smart ! I ask that you pray for her also too want too receive Jesus in too heart !
Hi Faith!
I’m so glad to hear that my words encouraged and inspired you! It really blesses me to know that. And I’m so glad you came across this page too. I just love how God works like that.
I’m so glad that you are walking with God, and you have such a beautiful heart for your daughter. I will definitely be praying for her as well. Thank you father God, for Faith’s daughter. Thank you that you have a good plan for her life and that you want her to experience your love and all the good things you have for her. Lord, we ask that her heart turns toward you and that she seeks you and loves you too. Thank you for giving Faith encouragement, wisdom, and guidance in her relationship with her daughter. In Jesus’ name, amen.
I’ll be praying! Many blessings to you, Faith!