by: Topher Wiles
My boys were starving and needed nourishment from me. As I overheard
their argument pushing their tones to get higher pitched, their volumes louder,
and their reasoning to falter, I knew they needed life giving nourishment that
a father can provide.
Our world is starving for something of which you and I have a potentially unlimited supply. You can get it by simply deciding to have it. You can give it away freely to thousands of people and still have plenty to give yourself. In fact, the more you give away, the more you will be surrounded with it. This elusive, yet potentially unlimited substance is simply “a positive encouraging word.”
So, why is encouragement in such short supply? We live in a society where people gravitate toward the bad news; the shocking, the fear-inspiring, and the awful. Too many of us are constantly on the look out for something negative or shocking to talk about or promote. The news media is too often a prime example of the focus on the negative (although I’m excited that the Expositor is one outlet seeking something different!). This influx of negativity leaves us like the child who eats only bacon and twinkies. Their appetite is satiated for a while, but their body is mal-nourished.
Our world is starving for something of which you and I have a potentially unlimited supply. You can get it by simply deciding to have it. You can give it away freely to thousands of people and still have plenty to give yourself. In fact, the more you give away, the more you will be surrounded with it. This elusive, yet potentially unlimited substance is simply “a positive encouraging word.”
So, why is encouragement in such short supply? We live in a society where people gravitate toward the bad news; the shocking, the fear-inspiring, and the awful. Too many of us are constantly on the look out for something negative or shocking to talk about or promote. The news media is too often a prime example of the focus on the negative (although I’m excited that the Expositor is one outlet seeking something different!). This influx of negativity leaves us like the child who eats only bacon and twinkies. Their appetite is satiated for a while, but their body is mal-nourished.
Even though there exist unsung heroes doing their best to share goodness
in the world, statistically, it rarely is reported in the news and our social
media. Families as a result of our
cultural consumption are drowning in the flood of negativity and unless we as
individuals and a community take immediate action, we too will drown in this world’s
negative onslaught. Yet, there is hope and
we can provide the poisitve nourishment needed.
Our families, our friends, and our neighbors are starving for positive
encouraging words that you and I can give.
The argument was strengthening between my sons as I rounded the
corner into the room wearing my “serious” face. A stern look was all it took to
gain the attention of my boys and stop all bickering. They expected me to lower the boom and bring
a fiery wrath that any dad is capable of.
What came next from my mouth shocked them in a new way and completely
changed the direction of our day.
“You are loved,” were the first words I spoke after a long moment of silence. Then, I followed with encouragement, sharing with them the care I believe they were capable of, the level of respect I thought they deserved from each other, and how much their brothers, their mother, and I really loved them. We wrapped up our correction by having the boys share heartfelt compliments to each other and stories of when we felt loved by each other. The boys needed no negative consequences this time to remind them of the lesson, they only needed encouragement. The hugs and smiles that followed the escalating argument reminded me how nourishing encouraging words can be.
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| Photo Credit: CrackerBarrel.com |
Recently I was writing about the nourishment of positive words, when words of poetry began to flow from my pen. The following is an original *Shakespearean-styled sonnet that you may need to hear or share, titled, "You are Loved."
Ever and anon, be sure; you are loved.
For as the Son rises, one realizes.
This awesome truth remains; It is not shoved,
But gently trickles into the wisest.
You are loved, by the great Father above,
Through whom is every good and perfect gift,
By Spirit who showed in likeness of a dove,
Whose blessed peace and comfort kindles so swift.
You are loved, by the Sacrificial Son,
Who dared care not if you were rich nor poor,
By His blood your full salvation is won.
This loving effort stands forevermore.
So share your love, due to the gift granted,
And watch love grow by the seed you planted.
"Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one
of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. 13 But
encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called
“Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." - Hebrews 3:12-13
*(A Shakespearean sonnet contains 14 lines of 10 syllables
following the rhyme scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.)
The word “forte” comes from the latin word “fortis” meaning strength. Our weekly Family Forte article in The Expositor is the effort of family at Central Church of Christ to give your family the love, care, and attention it needs to become a stronger version of itself. If we can help you in any way, please contact us at Central Church of Christ through email, topherwiles@spartacoc.com, or through our website, www.spartacoc.com.