Great news for you and for me! I can make this Word of Encouragement uncharacteristically brief. That is because as I was reviewing stuff in LinkedIn a couple of days ago, I came across a video which encapsulates the spirit behind these weekly Words of Encouragement.
The video features a young rugby player running up to a teammate who was upset and giving him an inspirational pep talk. He tells them “it doesn’t matter who you are…You are a brilliant rugby player you are insane for your age….” It is forty-three seconds of pure magic.
Over the years I have given a bunch of presentations that have addressed the importance of having meaningful and positive relationships in your life. During these presentations I will frequently ask people to raise their hands if they have too much love and affirmation going on in their lives.
Thousands of people have heard me ask them to raise their hands if they have too many people telling them that they are loved or wonderful – or, as this youngster stated, they are “brilliant.” To date, I have yet to have a single person raise their hand. Apparently, none of us can get or have too much love or affirmation in our lives!
One of my dear friends who has heard this presentation would jokingly remind me that: “Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean that the world isn’t out to get you.” It was his way of pointing out that we live in a world where there are people that have a PhD in “Fault Finding” and a unique ability to diagnose “what’s wrong with other people.”
Zig Ziglar used to point out that there is an antidote for these people. They need an “optrectomy” which is a very delicate operation that can only be performed by a team of highly trained ophthalmologists and gastroenterologists who together, sever the rectum from the retina to eliminate their “stinkin thinkin.”
That is why as I watched this video, I was reminded of a story my mom shared with me when she met and listened to Sister Mary Kyran critique my less than angelic behavior at St. Gertrude’s. She noted that before pointing out my shortcomings, Sister Mary Kyran could’ve at least begun the conversation by highlighting my strengths – strengths like the fact that “Michael breathes very well.”
My mom didn’t like fault finders. Yet she understood that every one of us will at some point in our lives get discouraged, or meet “fault finders” who will point out - and sometimes even revel in - identifying our shortcomings. And that is why we all need someone like this child - someone who will remind us “you are brilliant!” and “insanely good!” And someone who will give us the type of big hug this youngster gave to his teammate!
As they were walking away the coach said it all: “Best teammate ever!” Personally, I know that I can be a better teammate. How about you? Do you need to be reminded that you too can be brilliant? Or are there people in your lives who could use an encouraging word, call or a great big hug?
If you are wondering what to say to others, perhaps these words from one of my favorite verses in Isaiah will inspire you: Do not be afraid for I am with you.
