Words are powerful.
As leaders, the words we use make a difference. A huge difference.
In my post about life-giving statements Jesus made, I shared some things Jesus said that can encourage us today.
As we seek to be like Him, we have an opportunity within our influence to be people-builders, speaking life-giving words to those we are attempting to lead.
For good and bad, my life has been greatly shaped by words shared with me.
I once had a pastor say, “Ron, you’re a giant killer!” He encouraged me to kill giants for the Kingdom of God. It changed the trajectory of my life. I possibly wouldn’t be serving the church as I am today without those words. They came at just the right time in my life.
And, there have been a half dozen or so other equally impacting “words” in my life.
Words are huge.
Especially from someone we trust. My son preached recently about having a “Yes Face” – being the type of encourager who puts wind in other people’s sails. I think you’ll find it helpful and you can watch it HERE.
I’ll be honest. I’m not the best at it. Sometimes I get so focused on completing tasks I forget people are what life is all about. Every task on my list today and any day mean nothing without people. So, I intentionally try to pass on encouragement to people. I especially like to encourage younger leaders as I see opportunity. I try to make it a matter of personal discipline.
Everyone needs encouragement. And there are some common encouragements we all need to hear.
Here are 7 life-giving statements everyone needs to hear:
I’m praying for you!
Don’t you love to know people are praying for you? I think even people who aren’t believers often appreciate a prayer on their behalf. I’m thankful for those in my ministry years who have made part of their ministry praying for me.
You can do it!
In every position I’ve held, there have been seasons when I simply didn’t feel I had what was needed to fulfill my role. The voice of people who believed in me—people I trusted—was vital to my success. I’m confident any achievement I’ve ever had has been proportional to the people who supported me in my attempts.
I love you!
“All we need is love! Love is all we need.” That’s not just a good Beatles song. It’s like air in our lungs. Of course, God is love. So, there’s not one ounce of our being or moment of our time where God is not all-loving to us. But, we also need the love of others. We were designed for it.
It’s going to be okay!
When my boys were little, there were times when they needed my presence in their room in the middle of the night. They were afraid. Perhaps they had a bad dream or were worried about something they were facing the next day, but they needed to know it was going to be okay. I’m not sure we ever grow out of needing to hear those words or sense that “presence” of assurance from people we trust.
I believe in you!
When I was at one of my lowest points in my professional career I felt like a failure. We had sold a business just to get out from under it with a very little bit of money to start over. I felt I was letting down my family and others. I’m thankful my wife kept assuring me she believed it me. It was a catalyst for my growth and without it I’m not sure I would have recovered – at least to where I am today.
I’m proud of you!
Speaking of my wife again, this is one of my favorite things to hear her say. And, she knows it, thankfully. If you’re raising boys or married to one I would say guys cling to these words almost more than “I love you” – in my experience. But, all of us – male and female – need to hear this affirmation.
I’ve got your back!
In my first management role, I wasn’t trained in what I needed to do. The previous manager quit unexpectedly, and I was put in the position almost by default. I had a semi-retired professional on my team. He was far more qualified than me to lead, but no longer wanted the responsibility. More than once, however, he said these words to me – “I’ve got your back.” And, I believe if I had ever needed them, he would’ve stepped up and covered for me. I certainly sought his wisdom many times, and it helped me lead even when I wasn’t fully qualified.
So there you go. Words. Powerful words of encouragement.
