Before ENGLAND, behind EASTER stands my Serotonin in a File: Encouragement. This archive of affirmation dates back 40 years, and our dear friend Dave English created the first entry in Eastern Europe when Larry and I transitioned from being under his leadership to reporting to a different leader. At that moment in time, Dave took the initiative to write us a personal letter saturated with blessing and support. Worth its weight in literary gold, his encouragement bolstered our souls and sent us soaring into our next role of leadership responsibility. This gesture, though not in his job description, was embedded in his character.
From that one example of kindness a lifetime treasure emerged, and I now possess several bulging folders containing letters, cards, notes, photos—all voices from the past that join with Voices Unseen—to say: “Keep going! Don't stop! Don't give up! For goodness sake, Don't Quit!”
Frankly, I am mystified by encouragement. Its power can't be measured, but it's affect is just that, powerful. Over the decades, other names joined Dave’s, names like Charlotte, Ala, Luiza, Joan, Magda, Tanya, Teresa. And Valerie. Wow, there is Valerie.
Add to these individuals Karen. Her written voice of encouragement made a watershed difference early in my writing journey. Let me explain.
When the thirteenth rejection came from the publishing world for the manuscript of my first book The Leader’s Wife, Living With Eternal Intentionality®, I reached out to her. My vulnerability spelled it out with the words from Proverbs 13:12, “Hope deferred makes the heart sad.” Immediately Karen responded with the following email, which I share with her permission.
Ohhhh Debby, I know that's disappointing! The first thought that comes to mind is a little gem in the form of a quote:
"GRIT! Leaders who go the distance have grit, which is passion and perseverance - unrelenting, long term tenacity, every last drop of energy kind of determination. The development of grit demands difficulty. The archenemy of grit is EASE! "
When I think of “a someone” who characterizes this, you pop into my mind. Love you!”
Oh my! I wept, I praised, and I took courage from her articulate, inspiring words. Karen’s encouragement felt like drinking a spiritual Red Bull, and infused me with renewed passion and perseverance for my project. She served up a living, breathing reality from Hebrews 3:13: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” And, her perspective intervened to guard my heart and keep me pushing on toward publishing.
Thank you Dave . . . thank you Karen. Your life-giving entries hold a place of reverence inside my Serotonin in a File.
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You the only true God, and Jesus Christ
whom You have sent” (John 17:3).
“Darkness, despair, discouragement, even the devil and his demons, flee in the face of encouragement. ”
Describe a time when someone’s encouragement made a difference in your life.
What items do you have in your Encouragement File?
If you do not have such a collection, how can you start one today and what is a possible first entry?
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you who needs a word of encouragement from you. When you know, share with us how you moved forward to engage on the mission of encouragement.
