Word of Encouragement

After a brief hiatus to celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays, I am delighted to be back with another weekly Note of Encouragement.

But before doing so, I’d like to thank those of you who contacted me on Monday and asked if you had missed getting your weekly Word of Encouragement. May it never be! Because now more than ever, I believe it is important to stay encouraged.

With that thought in mind, I’m asking you to check out this story about Deshauna Barber (the most compelling part to me begins here, but feel free to go back and watch the entire video). She is an American soldier who also happens to be the only soldier to have won the Miss America contest.

On the surface, that alone makes for a worthwhile story. But what really truly makes this one special is what she overcame in pursuit of her dreams. She delivers what may be one of the best motivational talks I have heard in a long time. And it is more relevant today than ever before.

As a nation, we are going through some very interesting times. Truthfully, one of my resolutions for 2021 is to focus less on what the media is promoting so that I can focus more on the good things that happen each and every day.

So when Deshauna advised, “Do not fear failure, but please be terrified of regret. Giving up is the birth of regrets,” or, “Don’t take ’No!’ for an answer,” she got my attention. But what really sealed the deal is when she said that she “loves a good “No!” because it gives her additional reasons to work harder.”

As we head in to 2021, there is still a lot of uncertainty as a result of COVID, changes in the political landscape, and conflicts happening all around the world. But perhaps by contemplating Deshauna’s message and instead of fearing the uncertainty, we will refuse to accept the word “No!” so that we can continue to pursue our personal and professional aspirations to the absolute best of our ability.

And if you’re wondering what the future looks like, may you be encouraged by the words from Jeremiah: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Let’s make 2021 the best year ever!