(in)couragement.

We are all hungry for it.

I think it is because were made to feast on the Word of God. Within the pages of this divine love story, we can find everything we need for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3). Every thing we hunger for.  Every single thing.

But, too often we push it aside and substitute the empty calories the world has to offer.  And if His children forget to run to His Table for nourishment, where does the woman who sits next to you at work go?  How about your friend from high school you chat with on Facebook?  How does she feed her soul hunger?

Maybe she does this:

For $40/month people can pay to receive a daily phone call from a stranger at “Awesomeness Reminders” to tell them how great they are.  If you are not around, they will leave you a voicemail.

This is for real. I did not make this up. I wonder how long the list  is of people waiting for their daily phone call.  I  wonder if the feeling of Awesomeness lasts until lunch. But no worries, as long as you pay them $40 a month, they will call you back tomorrow.

My first thought when I read this was, “Are you kidding me?”  And my second thought was, “There is a blog post in that.” But, after these thoughts faded, the Lord gently spoke to me:

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

I know you.

There is nothing that can separate you from my Love.

I see you and strongly support you.

If I am for you, who can be against you?

I will never leave you or forsake you.

And His Words give life.

Words I have scribbled on index cards.

Words He has written on my heart.

And He says, “This is the secret to giving them real (in)couragement.

But first, make sure you are coming to The Table regularly to feast upon it.

You can’t share what you don’t have.”

So I reach for my colored cards.  And this is the first verse I write for 2011:

Colossians 4:6 (NLT)

Let your conversation be gracious and effective

so that you will have the right answer for everyone.

And I pray these Words for this blogger girl. And I pray them for you as well.  May all our conversations be gracious.  May each of our posts be effective.  And may we offer the only  (in)couragement that satisfies.

By Stacey, 29lincolnavenue

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