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Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
-I Thessalonians 5:11
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
-Hebrews 10:24-25
Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor.
-Romans 15:2
I keep my finger on the pulse of what’s trending and consequently follow a variety of folks across various social media platforms. One of my favorites is active on Instagram and TikTok as a storyteller, comedian, and professional encourager. This week, she told a story of her college days. She was, in her words, “volun-told” to work at a women’s conference and assigned the duty of being the “atmosphere” committee. Her job? She was to be a plant in each talk that would shout affirmative things about the speaker, nudge people around her to take notes and be in general agreement. This inauthenticity offended her sensibilities. But the mission to be positive and encouraging felt important. In a world in need of both authenticity AND encouragement, what is one to do?
Well, this young woman started by finding bright green caution vests. Then she recruited others. When asked their job, she said that they’d been asked to join the Awareness team. Their function? They would walk up to people and make them aware of things… “are you aware your dress is fabulous? I am aware your dress has pockets! Are you aware your entire vibe is incredible and your haircut is trendsetting?” In other words, they made everyone aware what a special and wonderful quality they brought to the conference. Was the atmosphere enhanced? Guaranteed.
The world can be discouraging. And the world can be full of lies. We are called to be encouraging and truthful. And we can be both. Even at the same time. That calling is not just “feel good” propaganda, but the life and light and goodness of our calling as followers of the Way. Scripture is full of this message, and it’s especially prevalent in Paul’s letters to the early Church. We shine a bright light in a dark world when we choose to be bearers of encouragement in discouraging times. This week, compliment a stranger, encourage a coworker, be extra kind to a friend or family member going through a rough patch. Make someone aware that they matter and you notice.
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