Encouragement: The Day After …
Sep 01, 2017 03:19PM ● By Annette Briggs (Owner/Publisher)
Happy September! Fall is upon us, and as I’ve mentioned many times before, it is one of my favorite seasons, for sure. However, since September 11, 2001, this month’s arrival has, unfortunately, become associated with the unimaginable and horrific events that took place on a day that would change this nation and, I dare say, the entire world forever. This will never change. So much so, that September 11 is now designated and recognized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance—as it should be. Countless stories are retold of not only heart-breaking sorrow and loss but of uncommon valor, heroism, sacrifice and unity as our nation came together as one to literally rise from the ashes.
We often refer to life after September 11 as “the day after.” And though it is a metaphorical phrase loaded with course-changing reality and meaning, the literal day after (September 12) was and still is crucially important. How important? It has been officially designated as the National Day of Encouragement. And this is where I plant my flag and drop my anchor of hopeful optimism.
Like oxygen is to the lungs and food to the body, encouragement, particularly when dealing with the “day after,” in my view, is priceless and indispensible. Yes, words can carry immeasurable weight, meaning and significance. Without question, sticks and stones can break your bones; however, words CAN always hurt you—and worse, cut the life-supporting oxygen of inspiration and motivation. International speaker and author Yehuda Berg offered these powerful words regarding encouragement: “Words are singularly the most powerful force available to humanity. We can choose to use this force constructively with words of encouragement, or destructively using words of despair. Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate and to humble.”
What great words of encouragement! And given today’s turbulent political and social atmosphere that is driving instability, division, uncertainty, and even fear of what’s to come (much of it caused by careless and venomous weaponized words), encouragement is a much needed friend right now. It can make a difference … for sure. Instead of words of hate, vitriol and character-cutting anger, why not offer hopeful and wise words of inspiration and love? Like the sun that rises on a new day, encouraging words can radiate optimism and hope to scatter the darkness. It did on September 12, 2001, “the day after.” It can do the same today. Why wait until tomorrow?
Light up the darkness,
