The Phone Call of Encouragement

During the last few weeks, I read a book called "simple little words", by Michelle Cox and John Perrodin. Underneath the title of this book it said, "what you say can change a life forever". It was a powerful little book, and it spoke loudly to me. In one section of the book, I read a short piece about " the phone call of encouragement"...

..."The phone call is quick and easy and often lots of fun. But because of busy schedules, be prepared to leave your message with the answering machine. The phone call of encouragement is an excellent way to tell someone how much you care--to let them know you're thinking and praying for them. Remember, though, they can hear your voice. When encouraging someone, let them hear the smile in your tone. Keep such calls light and hopeful. And if the situation merits, let them know what you'd like to do to help. Perhaps prepare a meal, pick up some groceries, or watch their children for an afternoon. Or stop by with flowers. Mean what you say and follow through. In that way you can help shoulder a heavy burden for the person on the other end of the line."

The advice on this page stuck with me. I smiled as I remembered back over the last few years, the answering machine messages that I saved for weeks because they meant so much to me. And the many phone calls from friends that encouraged my days, and lightened my load, sometimes just by knowing they cared and were thinking about me. "Simple little words"...are a powerful tool in our world today.