Words are powerful tools that can be used to encourage and challenge the people around you. One of my favorite things about traveling with my squad and living in community with my team is the life they speak into me. They use words to encourage well. They also use words well to challenge me- to grow in both my weaknesses and my strengths. Recently, we were all together for a leadership weekend and one of our sessions was to write a word that describes each of the people on this squad and our leadership. It was such a cool opportunity to be able to take the time to reflect on and give an encouraging word to all 50+ people, and it was such a cool thing to take the time to read over my paper at the end. According to my squad-mates, here are some words that describe me:

I am:

Sweet

Inspiring

Selfless

Forgiving

Teacher

Pure

Sincere

Kindhearted

Strength

Compassionate

Wise

Intentional

Giver

Rooted

Sister

Overcomer

Leader

Kind

Quiet Wisdom

Thoughtful

Caring

Steady

Lovely

Deliberate

Freedom

Servant

Bold

Encourager

Caregiver

Gentle

Loves unconditionally

Accepting

Generous

Knowledgeable

Influential

Beautiful smile

Steadfast

Faithful

So many of the things that my community sees in me are things that I wouldn’t necessarily assign to myself. Through allowing them in and being open to what they have to say, I’ve been able to see and walk in gifts that I was unaware of before and to grow in self-awareness. It’s a powerful thing to speak into those around you- you’d be amazed at how the smallest of words and actions make the biggest difference.

So go on, encourage someone today- tell them what you see in them. Ask your community what they see in you…it just may give you a new perspective on yourself and what you offer to the Kingdom.


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