The Power of an Encouraging Word by Tracy Williamson

Do we know how life changing an encouraging word can be?
Once when I was away on a retreat, I was on my own and was feeling quite vulnerable.  It was a silent retreat so on the first morning when I went very early into the dining room for my breakfast and saw a lady from a different retreat at another table, it never occurred to me to chat. So I was most surprised when she tapped me on the shoulder, placed a note in front of me then smiled and left.  When I read the note I was stunned.  It said that she'd been given my book,

Encountering God and loved it and because I'd mentioned this particular retreat centre, she'd decided to go on retreat there herself and take my book as her reading material!  I was amazed on several levels: a) because it was so unexpected and so encouraging; b) because only God knew that I'd long had a rather naughty dream: to be travelling or staying somewhere and suddenly meet someone who is reading my book! And c) her final words in this note were like a direct answer to a deep down depression and fear that I'd have to give up my dream of writing.  The words were: 'Tracy, whatever you do, don't give up writing.  Keep going!!'
Such a simple sentence: Whatever you do, don't give up writing. Keep going.'
As I read those words it came home to me that God really does know the secret fears, struggles and  longings of our hearts.  He wanted to encourage me and he used this woman who had herself been encouraged by my book, to write a simple sentence that was to have a life changing effect on me and empower me to pick up my pen (computer!) and start writing again and my book The Father's Kiss was born..
That happened 7 years ago and there have been many times since when I've felt like giving up again, but because those words were written down I can go back to them, re read them and take to heart their encouragement once again. 
In this time of fear and lockdown I've been very challenged by some of the compassionate acts of so many people. But sometimes I feel terribly inadequate - I have no nursing skills so can't offer to care for someone.  I don't drive so can't offer to do emergency deliveries;  Because people are socially distancing I can't (because of my deafness) chat with neighbours over the fence or set up a buddy scheme in my road. . .Like many of us I so easily feel discouraged and feel what can I do?
But the other day while listening to a sermon about when Jesus asked someone 'what do you have in your hands?', I suddenly felt that question was aimed at me;
What do I have in my hands?
I am not a nurse
or a driver
or a teacher, manager, or carer.
There are lots of things I can't do.
But what do I HAVE in my hands?
I have a pen - (computer)
And I have His love in my heart
And when I bring those 2 things together
I have a powerful ability to encourage someone.
It may just be a few words scrawled on a page like that note given to me.
It may be a blog; a poem, a thank-you note; an invitation for tea;
It may be a letter to someone I haven't seen for years; it may be a text message; it may be a book. . .
But whether short or long, descriptive or to the point, our words of encouragement can be life changing. 
Without those scrawled words to me I may never have stepped out of my depression to start writing again.
But I did.
Who knows what effect your words will have on someone at just the right time?
What do you have in your hand and heart?
what words can you write to encourage someone today?

Tracy Williamson is an author and speaker working together with blind singer/songwriter Marilyn Baker for MBM Trust a music and teaching ministry.  Tracy has just completed her's and Marilyn's memoir of their lives and ministry together - A Beautiful Tapestry which will hopefully be publsihed in Nov 20 by Authentic Media.