Dear Circle of Hope,

When was the last time you received a word of encouragement from someone? I hope it wasn’t too long ago! My guess is that in receiving that encouragement you felt a sense of being seen, valued and appreciated. But the reality is that many of us don’t often hear encouraging words from people, let alone from those we value most. Words of encouragement can come in many forms and they can, over time, enable us to grow and deepen in our sense of being and purpose in this world. 

Our society often tends to major on encouraging people as a result of their success and output. This is often measured by society’s markers, such as how much money people make, the growth of their businesses, their popularity and influence or how much value they appear to provide society from what they do.

But isn’t there value in being? Isn’t there value in quietly going about your purpose in this world, in offering a helping hand, in being a peaceful presence, in volunteering in a community grassroots organisation that helps the vulnerable? It is often people like this that are overlooked or forgotten when it comes to encouragement, as those who take leadership, upfront and spotlight roles in society tend to receive the greater recognition and encouragement.

Let’s encourage people like this, those who are making a genuine difference in our world in quiet and humble ways. Let’s acknowledge and celebrate these types of achievements because they also require a great effort, intention and reveal a depth of growth in character. In this we can encourage people for their very being, as opposed to how much they are doing. 

Let’s be encouragers. Maybe you can seek to encourage someone today. I believe this can create a ripple effect where we shift our culture to recognise the value of everyone and not just those in the limelight. Surely this is another way that we can build a community of love and live out lives that seek to love our neighbour. 

Thank you for being part of our Circle of Hope.

Grace and peace, 

Phil