A Note of Encouragement

from Ciloa

   

  

 

Hands reaching out and holding another's hand

People do not want advice as much as to hear a kind word, feel a gentle touch, and know we care for them...Chuck Graham
Because We Care

Volume XVI, Issue 37 
September 12, 2016 
Because We Care...by Cecil Murphey

Man sitting all alone on a bench
As caring people and doers of good deeds, we tend to feel the burden of making huge gestures or speaking eloquently to lift our friends out of their doldrums, pain, or heartaches. We focus on the result---that is, making the other person feel encouraged, helping them make the right decision, or offering insight into their problems.
 
What's wrong with such desires?
 
Troubled woman sitting alone
Nothing.
 
Our attitude speaks of our desire to stretch our arms toward a hurting person. However, desire and wisdom aren't always compatible. I may want to pull her out of depression or get him to start an exercise program. That's an excellent intention.
 
But that's not enough until we apply wisdom. We're zealous to fix others---which is both kind and noble. We may struggle intensely to do exactly the right thing or trouble ourselves over precisely the right way to say something.
 
I suggest something less complicated. If we're convinced we care about the person (and not only the result), here it is: Follow your heart.
 
Woman holding a smiling child I hesitated to write those three words because too many people feel that gives them permission to throw clichéd statements, quote the Bible, or overwhelm others with exhortation.
 
Before we take any action or say anything, let's ask ourselves: If the situation were reversed, how would I respond? Would I want someone to say, "I'm telling you this for your own good"? Would I rejoice if a friend tried to pull me out of my depression by saying, "Rejoice in the Lord always"?

Probably not.
 
Friends caring for each other
I've shed the need to be the great rescuer of souls. I simply want to do what little I can for others. I've learned that when I express my compassion, even with no answers (or perhaps especially with no answers), I generally connect.
 
Here's a straightforward response: "I don't know, but I care about you." (Of course we have to mean those words.)
 
Something happens. When we speak from the heart---from compassionate caring---most of the time we connect. Our friends know when we speak lovingly.
Cec
 
 
Cecil Murphey is an author, speaker, teacher, survivor. He has written more than 140 books, including the New York Times bestsellers 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper) and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (with Dr. Ben Carson). Ciloa created the Cecil Murphey Center where you will find many of his books as well as other resources to bring action to God's call to encourage one another.
 
Because We Care first appeared in Cecil Murphey's Newsletter (https://t.e2ma.net/message/if7ni/mu1kxrb), December 1, 2015. Used by permission.
 
For more information:

Ciloa's Cecil Murphey Center:  http://bit.ly/CecilMurpheyCenter
Ciloa's Cecil Murphey Library:  http://bit.ly/CecilMurpheyLibrary
Ciloa - Encourage One Another
   

Ciloa is funded entirely by contributions from those

partnering with us to share God's encouragement

with the world.  

 

We invite you to partner with us. Please click the link:

 

Partner with Ciloa to help encourage others  


Ciloa is a registered trademark of Ciloa, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
A Note of Encouragement is a copyright interest held by Ciloa, Inc.


Sign up for A Note of Encouragement

 

Christ  Is  Lord  Of  All ... Ciloa
  
Follow us at


 Find us on Facebook         Follow us on Twitter

  


  Ciloa, Inc.     Lawrenceville, Georgia, U.S.A.     www.Ciloa.org