The incredible power you have and probably didn’t even know it

a word of encouragement can literally change a person’s life. Criticism can sometimes do the same thing.

At this special time of year with gift giving all around us and as we see friends and family this Christmas Season, I’m asking you directly for a favor. At least once a day from now until New Year’s Day pay someone a sincere compliment, someone you wouldn’t normally complement. I don’t mean just any old complement, your hair looks nice today, or thank you for holding the door, but speak to either a person’s character or their ability.

For example: you go to a very busy department store to buy one more gift which will more than likely be under appreciated. The clerk does a pretty good job and stays cool under pressure. Your complement might be something like “I couldn’t help but notice that you’re very cool and composed under pressure. That is the strength I admire.” Or, “I couldn’t help but notice that you have excellent customer service skills. That must be why you are so good at your job.”

You might decide to pick a family member. There is no end to what you can say here (it really should be true). “I just wanted you to know that I appreciate your diligence and your sense of responsibility.” Or, you may say something like “I couldn’t help but notice how good you are at solving conflicts. I love that about you.”

You may well have thought positive things about other people, but if you don’t verbalize it they may never know. On the flip side of this coin, think twice before uttering a criticism. We are all familiar with the devastation which can be caused by phrases such as “you’re dumber than a rock”, “Way to go stupid!”, “You might as well give up, you’re never going to get this”, “I know you’re trying you just can’t help it because you are dumb”, “I wish you’d never been born”.

Before you say something like that out loud ask yourself if you really need to say that right now. As a high school student, one of my counselors looked me right in the eye and said “Ron, you are really good at public speaking! I think you have a gift.” In point of fact I was not a very good speaker, I was as terrified as everyone else. But this simple encouragement changed my life. Now, you can’t shut me up! I would encourage you to give this a try on purpose and see if it doesn’t make a difference. I know you can do this because you are kind and faithful. That’s another reason I appreciate you so much.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas season,

Ron & Janice Brown

Proverbs 18:21 American Standard Version

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”