There is a girl. Her name is … 

Denise.

She told me a few weeks ago that she misses my blog posts. Then she said that she is NOT a writer – that if she were to write something it would start, “There is a girl. Her name is…” She thought she was being self-deprecating and proving she can’t write. Instead, she was being an encouragement to me, as usual.

I’ve been struggling with frustration. Frustration about my plans being changed by the decisions of others. Frustrations about my weakness in sticking with a life change for better health. Frustration with a seemingly never ending sinus infection, work stresses, missing my boys, writer’s block…

So when I saw Denise at church this morning, I ended up spilling my litany of woes. She listened, empathized, shared her own struggles, told me she drew inspiration from me in areas she sees strength, hugged me and invited me to sit with her in church. After the service, she wished me a blessed week and said she loves me. I arrived at church this morning tired, running late, and feeling a bit fragile. Denise’s love and encouragement inspired me to change my perspective. She is a true blessing in my life.

Today was a yucky, rainy, snowy, cold day. It would have been so easy to stay home and vegetate, but I didn’t, thankfully. Denise wasn’t my only encourager today. I had a number of uplifting conversations with long-time friends, as well as a moment when our associate pastor took time to pray with me before I slipped into Community Group nearly 40 minutes late.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) reminds us of the importance of community: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another…”

We were made to be in relationship with others. While we need time alone to process, regroup, refresh, etc., we need others in our lives who will love and encourage us. Rather than going into another work week feeling depleted, I’m heading into this Monday emotionally refreshed. Sometimes it’s easier to feel sorry for ourselves, or to embrace the “misery loves company” mentality and surround ourselves with negative people. But as we start a new week, I’d like to challenge you to reread Hebrews 10:24-25 and think of ways to motivate one another. I’d love to hear from you. Please share how someone encouraged you recently, or how you showed love or did a good work.