The Power of Encouragement

I used to shy away from online interaction. Although I find it much easier to express myself with the written word than in person, it just didn’t seem authentic to me. And then I put on my big girl pants and went to my first blogging conference. . .and then another. . .I was amazed at the depth of the friendships I observed. Friendships that began between computer screens and smart phones.

They were real. They were lovely.

And so I decided to open myself up to women in other states, countries and ministries through my blog and social media. I have been so blessed by the relationships I have fostered through my online life. Every once in a while I can look forward to experiencing those friendships in a real life, tangible way. But I cannot forget these tangible friendships were first birthed online, through means once foreign to us but now such a blessing.

I will never abandon the beauty and social grace of a hand-written note, phone call or coffee date. I still believe we absolutely, positively need in-real-life relationships to thrive. But I’ve learned these classics enjoyments of relationship can be enhanced, not overshadowed by our virtual ones.

The word “encouragement” has been all around me lately. I’m writing a piece this week for a children’s blog about encouragement for kids. I’m linking arms with (in)courage as we begin the adventure of community groups. I just took an online spiritual gifts test that revealed exhortation {encouragement} is my #1 gifting. I know this is part of who I am and how God wants to use me. Maybe you feel the same way. Maybe you just aren’t sure how to lean into this gifting.

Encouragement is encouragement whether expressed in person or online. Our words and actions can be powerful in the life of another whether delivered via social media or a hand-written note. I’m becoming more comfortable with that as I learn from my sisters in the faith. So many of us have the same depth of desire to love on each other. . .we simply express that love in different ways. My mother taught me how to send a note and speak a word of encouragement to a friend. Those values will never leave me. But I am learning from others to be comfortable with, and even enjoy, encouraging those I’ve yet to have the pleasure to meet in person.

There is power in encouragement and if technology allows us the privilege of reaching more and more women with the love and grace he’s given us, then who are we to run from that? I am humbled and thrilled to be co-leading an (in)courage community group this summer for new and expectant mamas. I pray he graces us with words that will inspire and uplift each other as we do life together online over the next few months.

Social media and our online lives should never take the place of real life relationships but they can be a starting point and they can be a place of ongoing connection. I am all for the opportunity to meet women I wouldn’t otherwise have the pleasure of knowing. What a powerful opportunity. As long as we steward it well and balance it with our need for face to face connection, there is so much kingdom work to be done through our computer screen.

Do you desire to experience the power of encouragement by loving on another or receiving love that you so desperately need? Will you consider joining us?

This post is a part of the (in)courage link up celebrating our new (in)courager groups, starting next week. There’s still time to join a group. Find out more here.