Encouragement

Hey, Y'all,
I believe that encouragement is one of the most beautiful words in the English language. When fear grips the heart and we are not sure we are going to be able to do a job or feat that is ahead of us, a pat on the back or a word of encouragement can make all the difference. Children in our family were early encouraged to do whatever task was ahead of us. When I had accomplished a thing that had presented a real challenge, there was Mom or Dad saying, "We are proud of you, Ruby. We knew you could do it." How wonderful those cheering words are to our hearts!

In my life, each step along the way, there have been people who have encouraged me. When I was at Carson-Newman, the retired registrar knew I was having trouble getting back and forth to school, so she opened her home to me, and let me stay in one of her bedrooms and the only thing I had to do in return was to clean her bathroom each week. She knew I had two children who were living with my family out on the farm. She was a very kind lady and encouraged me in many ways.

While I was at C-N-C, someone deposited a goodly amount of money into a checking account in my name, and I was able to use the money any way I chose. That was encouragement anonymously. As I said the other day, while I was in my last semester at C-N, a friend took me out in the country and let me drive his car, and I had never been behind the wheel of a car before. He had great courage, and in so doing, gave me great confidence and courage as well.

Fellow teachers have given me encouragement in many different projects that I have undertaken over the years. My children and husband have given me encouragement, and support over the years, as well. Many friends are always giving me words of love and support, and praise as well, which always encourages. Fellow bloggers have recently given me much encouragement in my writing efforts.

About ten years ago, I was invited to travel to Taiwan to visit friends who live there, and I was reluctant to go. Allie's daughter, Tanya, said, "Aunt Ruby, don't let fear keep you from going and enjoying yourself. You can do it, and you'll have a wonderful time with the Changs." Well, because of her encouraging words, I decided to go, and did have a wonderful time. I will always remember how her words helped me.

I have tried along the way to be equally encouraging to others, and to help give them the courage to try new things and to put their best into what they are doing or attempting to do. We need to be supportive of each other always, so that we can say to them, "That was a good job, we are proud of you!"

Well, that is it today for me. This is Blabbin' Grammy signing off for now. Thank you to all those of you who are reading my blog. I am humbled by the wonderful comments and response to my writing. Much love to each of you. Bye for now. More later.