Encouragement - What, How, Why & Whoعينة

## Weighed down??? As stress levels are on the increase, our support structures are on the decrease. Longer hours means we spend less time with our families who strengthen us. When both spouses work it is harder for them to support each other. With people's increasing desire for privacy, they are not letting people get close to them, and people are not willing to intrude. We are getting lonelier and lonelier, and with the loneliness comes discouragement. Stress can break us. Encouragement reverses the effects of stress. To speak a kind word costs us very little and to encourage someone only takes a bit of time. Can you think of someone who has really encouraged you? Can you remember how much it meant? We've already talked about the kind of things we can say, like: "Good job", "I've got your back" and so on. But let's talk about the ways we can do it... \- A post-it note on a desk or pillow or under a windscreen wiper \- A brief sms or whatsapp \- A phone call \- An anonymous card with an inspirational Bible verse \- A little gift (PS Bars with their little sayings are fun) \- A voucher for a coffee \- A flower or chocolate or some other treat The bottom line is: there are many weighed-down hearts around us. Be creative..... It will make a difference! Don't hesitate.... JUST DO IT!