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My mama has this gift.
She can handle messy. Seriously, this is one of the secret and best things about my mother. Bring your worst and ugliest to her and she can deal with it. She never walks away from wrecks. She runs toward your suffering. She races toward the mess, the heartbreak, and the trouble. She’s there for the worst of it. And she’s just plain awesome at it.
She can be silent when words cannot possibly do the job. She knows when to speak up, but more importantly, she knows when to just give a hug, or a pat, or that look that conveys such love and empathy. She’s an encourager.
I want to be that kind of encourager for others. Don’t you?
Did you know that there is actually a National Day of Encouragement? An official Day of Encouragement... I love it!
The Bible tells us to encourage one another in Ephesians 4:29, Hebrews 10:24-25, Hebrews 3:13 and in many other books.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11
There are so many ways to encourage others, and one of my favorite ways is giving books that help someone in their time of need.
I’m a book person. I enjoy giving books as Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, and random “I love you” gifts. Books are a wonderful way to encourage someone. When you read the stories of someone else going through the hard situation you’re currently in and knowing they not only survived it, but were made both stronger and more soft-hearted because of that trial, it helps!
Here are some of my favorite gift books to encourage others.
Hopelifter
“We believe we go through what we go through to help others go through what we went through.” Kathe Wunnenberg lists “Recipes of Hope” for the trials disappointments of life, cancer, infertility, divorce, abuse, abortion, loss of a loved one written by others who have gone through those same challenges. “This book is a living testimony to God’s miracle-working power to transform lives, changing the broken and hurting to the hope-filled and helpful — and to the hopelifters, those who spread hope in creative ways.” It will encourage you to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Learn more and save…
You’ll Get Through This
In the storms of life, we want to know that there is an underlying reason, a purpose for the suffering and losses. We want to know that our struggles are not in vain. From the first paragraph, I knew that this book would be on of my favorite Max Lucado books. In it, he uses the story of Joseph (the favorite of the 12 sons of Jacob who became Israel) to show us that God is always in control. Even when your life seems utterly wrecked. God is in control. Learn more and save…
God Will Carry You Through
God carries us through stuff: through the Red Sea onto dry ground (Exodus 14:22), through the wilderness (Deuteronomy 29:5), through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4), and through the deep sea (Psalm 77:19). Max Lucado shares Scripture and present day personal stories showing the faithfulness of God in the midst of difficult and painful circumstances. Our help through whatever struggle, trial, or difficulty comes from the Lord. Learn more and save…
Encouragement for Today
Written for women, by women, Encouragement for Today is such a relatable book dealing with issues women face every day: loneliness, when friendship is tough, learning thankfulness, confidence, all the “why’s” of life as a woman/ wife/ mother, “little” sins, being a drama queen, chasing unrequited love, feeling like a bad mom, and longing to be pursued. Each chapter includes invitations to remember, reflect, and respond, as well as power verses. This is a fantastic book!. Learn more and save…
When God Makes Lemonade
You will love Don’s lemonade stories. They’re poignant narratives about how God brings sweetness into seasons that are just plain sour. Stories of hope through hopelessness, comfort through suffering, and renewed joy through deep sorrow will encourage you and encourage you to pass along that encouragement to others. Learn more and save…
Hope for Each Day
This classic includes Scripture and Dr. Graham’s short, rich devotionals for morning and evening that direct your heart and mind straight to the Throne. This is my go-to encouragement book. Learn more and save…
Speak Love Revolution
This 30-day devotional is a revolution for bringing life, not death, with our words. Ladies, that means we leave the “mean girl” in us behind and start to operate and speak love and encouragement to others. How would your day be different if you started it with prayer, Scripture to challenge your attitude and heart, and an action you can take part in to join the word revolution? Learn more and save…
Be His Hands and Feet
To encourage others we need to have our eyes open for the people who need our love, help, and support. The eldery widow down the street, the teenager who doesn’t fit in, that guy in your office who wears the weight of the world on his face, the young mom overwhelmed with a couple of toddlers and a colicky baby and not a chance of getting a nap today.
Next, we need to be creative in finding ways to lift those people up. What about bringing that widow a cup of tea while you mow her lawn or do some “handyman” jobs that have awaited repair for too long? Or encouraging a few teens to befriend that lonely one? Or asking that office mate to lunch and listening to what’s heavy on his mind? Or babysitting for a few hours a week so that mom can take a walk in the park, enjoy the quietude, or a blessed nap?
Have you thought of someone you can encourage today? Go and be encouraging!
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Your Turn
What is your favorite book that you give when you want to encourage someone? Please leave a comment! We would love to hear from you!
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