Monday, April 5, 2010

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.

13 comments:

Jessica Bell said...

What a beautiful post. Words of encouragment surely do go a long long way. Even if it is only a few words. Good on you! Nicely said!

Grammy said...

Hi,
Thanks! I appreciate the comments.
Ruby

Jan said...

Yes. Yes. Yes. Encouragement certainly helps keep us going. I have really enjoyed reading what you write. Don't stop!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

A little bit of encouragemnet goes along way. Like doing this challenge, to comment on someone's blog who don't seem to be getting manny comments can work wonders.
Have a nice day Ruby.

Yvonne.

Anonymous said...

You are so right, Grammy. It takes very little to give out words of encouragement or a pat on the back to someone and we never know what that word or pat may mean to that person. I try to always encourage my children in anything they do. You encourage me without even knowing it. I get encouraged every time I come over and read what you have written and what an up beat person you are and how you love people. You encourage me to be like you!

Lisa said...

Encouragement indeed is a wonderful thing. Barnabas in the Bible was an encourager and that is what I strive to be.

Wonderful post, Ruby.

Have a blessed day!

Julie said...

I love that word. It's such a great and impressive word. So much can be attached to it. Encouragement!!! Love it.
I encourage you to keep up this great posting. I've stopped by before but was in a hurry. Today I took the time to read. I'm your newest follower at the moment.
Take care and have a blessed wonderful day.

Grammy said...

Hey, there,
Thanks, you all,
How wonderful to have such great friends.
Love,
Ruby

Raquel Byrnes said...

Encouragement seems to be the order of the day for "E" posts. How wonderful to get so many uplifting words right when I need them...thanks!

Wanda said...

Encouraging words can be like a cool drink of water on hot summer day. Good job!

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

Words of encouragement are invaluable and I so appreciated yours on my blog today. Encouragement from others is what gave me the boost I needed to take my writing from a hobby to published author for which I’ll be eternally grateful.

Natasha said...

What a wonderful post, Ruby. You are quite right - even one word of encouragement sown in a heart that accepts it can grow into a huge tree.

Unknown said...

Great post. Encouragement goes a long way and only takes a little bit. It definitely helps keeps us going.