You don't have to be a published writer to touch lives, or have accomplished some heroic act, or be expert in some field. You've had many experiences in your life--both positive and negative--and others can benefit immensely from that experience...if you're willing.
There are infinite opportunities to come alongside someone and encourage them.
Do you see yourself in any of these roles?
As a young mom, I was blessed to have more experienced moms (and even teens who'd had more babysitting experience than me!!!) offer encouragement and advice and lend a helping hand. And to tell me that yes, it's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed by it all sometimes.
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As a new believer, I was blessed by those who'd not only encourage me to go to church, but go out of their way to drive me, by those who'd lead by example, by those who'd hold be accountable, and especially by those who weren't afraid to be real about their struggles.
As a young wife, I was blessed by older women who helped me master cooking a Christmas turkey, building gingerbread houses, navigating a tax return, balancing the many aspects of running a home.
As an aspiring writer, I was blessed by the encouragement of other writers, both published and aspiring. Women who freely shared their knowledge, their experiences, and offered their advice and prayers.
As a published writer, I continue to be blessed by the mentorship of other writers--and not just published ones. I have several critique partners who offer me invaluable advice, and encouragement with every manuscript, and who pray for me. This is a huge time commitment on their part and I am so grateful for them.
Whatever your vocation, passion, hobby, you have likely been blessed by someone who has taken time to help you grow in it.
And you can do the same for others.
Your Turn: How has someone touched your life? Don't be shy about sharing. You may inspire someone to touch another's life in what you say!
Posts
this is a tough question as many have touched me over the years.
ReplyDeleteI have had people I only know online that have touched me. Last year when I got out of hospital I had some online friends (who know who they are) bought me a microwave to heat up food as they heard I didn't have one and how a neighbour had made me some meals that I could warm up. they also knew I didn't have the strength to cook (even cooking toast was to hard to start.) A friend at the same time brought up some wood so I wouldn't have to go out to do it which was so special.
What wonderful expressions of love, Jenny! And I know you are such an encouragement to the LI authors here and around the blogosphere. :)
ReplyDeleteJenny, thank God for your health.
ReplyDeleteWe are rich when we have caring people around us.
Several people have touched my lives in all aspects that I can't even start mentioning. Thank God for wonderful friends.
Wonderful post Sandra!! Great insights--and I know what you mean, I feel blessed by so many people who have helped me in so many different ways.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have you as a friend! God bless!!
Thank you, Amber, I so appreciate your friendship, too :) Thanks for dropping by!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Sandra. I think it's important to reach out. I sometimes wish I'd stayed in my hometown where I knew just about everyone and where my parents were. I think as a mobile society, we so often lose touch with those who influence we need the most.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Sandra. Thank you for the reminder of all the amazing people who have helped me through the years. There are too many to count! Every author knows that it takes an army-load of help and encouragement before a single book is printed. My list could go on and on. The same is true throughout life. Yes indeed, we need to pass it on.
ReplyDeletePS - ROFLOL at the duct tape photo!