Encouragement: Speak It

Jesus, marriage, family, friends, community, words, dogs, good music, health & adventure.

“The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling.” – Fabienne Fredrickson

I have recently taken an unintentional hiatus from my blog over the last few months. I say unintentional because there have been so many times I have meant to sit down to write and have decided to do something else instead. I accepted a new job at a nonprofit here in Kansas City and while I’m absolutely loving this new change in my life, I am finding less time in my schedule to devote to blogging. Also, Netflix.

Anyways, I’m jumping back into the game and I have to give credit to a few special people in my life for this motivation. I have received phone calls, text messages, encouraging notes and comments from precious friends and family members encouraging me in my writing. As much as I love words, I find it hard to choose the right ones to express how thankful I am for their thoughtfulness. I am so thrilled that people would take time out of their day to encourage me in that way.

I am constantly amazed at how God speaks to us through our friends and sometimes, even complete strangers. The funny thing about my experience is that these words of encouragement came from four people who I don’t talk to all that often. I think it impacted me so much because they had to be so intentional about reaching out to me.

Do you have anyone in your life that has shared a dream or a passion with you that you can encourage?

“If you see something beautiful in someone, speak it.”

– Ruthie Lindsey

Because of my experience, I’ve been challenged to seek out the passions of my friends and family and encourage them towards pursuing those things. How cool would it be if I started looking beyond myself to encourage another person in something that excites them? God gives me opportunities to lift up the people in my life all the time. Often, all it takes is sending a simple text message when I’m reminded of them throughout my day. Aka: the Holy Spirit.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Phillipians 2:3-4

On the flip side of that coin, when was the last time you talked to someone about something that you’re passionate about?

I’ll repeat this quote because there’s so much truth here.

“The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling.” – Fabienne Fredrickson

When I was in high school, I can remember being asked this question, “What is your favorite thing about yourself?” That question would be tough for anyone, but being a high school girl, it threw me completely off. However, it taught me an important lesson. It’s okay to think about the things you’re good at, the things you like doing and the passions God has given you. In fact, it’s exactly how you find your calling in life. I started this post with a list of things that I’m passionate about. Not a list of things I’m an expert on or things that I have a lot of experience in, just things that excite me.

Jesus, marriage, family, friends, community, words, dogs, health, good music, adventure and fun.

Some are serious. Some, lighthearted. All, can be used for God’s glory.

How about you? What are the things you are passionate about? Are you pursuing them? Identify your passions and do something with those things.

I am so thankful for the people who have spoken words of encouragement into my life and have pushed me to keep going when they’ve noticed I’ve become a little quiet.  Will you join me in calling out the beauty in someone else?

Be encouraged, friends.

Leave me a comment with a list of things that excite you!