Encourage the timid

Good morning friends. The family & I just got back from Nashville working out some of the details of our move there this Summer. More to come on that soon. Until then, check out some of my new pics at medington.vsco.co...or, just click the "Photos" logo right over there ----->

Before hitting the streets today I wanted to quickly remind you of the importance of an encouraging word. This morning I was reading in 1 Thessalonians and came across what is really a very short verse. Actually, it's just a part of verse 14. You could miss it if you weren't really paying attention...

"...encourage the timid, help the week, be patient with everyone." - 1 Thessalonians 5:14b (NIV 1984)

The timid? Eugene Peterson's Message Bible calls the timid "stragglers". It then goes on to say "reach out for the exhausted". Living in NYC, no matter what you want to call it, these people are all around us! And let's be honest, that person may be you. 

Yesterday, while out on a Postmates run, I ran into a good friend. We gave each other a hug & she took the time to encourage me in my writing, specifically regarding this blog. You know what..I needed that. I didn't know I needed her encouraging words, but God used her to reach deep inside of me to any insecurities that may have been lurking in the dark corners of who I am. To my friend...Thank You!

The bottom line is simple (or is it?). Keep your eyes open for the timid, the stragglers, or possibly in my case yesterday...the exhausted. 

I challenge you today to get outside of yourself. Look for opportunities to be an encouragement to someone...anyone. You may not know how much that person needs it, but trust me, they do.