Pep Talk: "Stimulate and Develop"

What’s your favorite word? Ya know, when you mutter it, or you hear someone else recite it, warm and fuzzy feelings begin to permeate?

Encourage. That’s the one for this aging knucklehead. Defined as “To give hope and confidence to.” Can you imagine? What would this world look like if everybody was walking around with hope and confidence? Would it be any different than the scene we witness today - home, work and community?

Here’s an example.

The other day your scribe was wrapping up lunch at the Denver Rescue Mission’s “Crossing” facility. It’s a place where many of the men and women involved with Victory’s “A Stronger Cord” project currently work or live. It’s a frequent stop on the daily rounds, especially during lunch time. The food is good. Also, it’s a good time to discuss projects designed to encourage ASC participants to become more fitness-minded, dependable and productive folks who seek a stronger cord to families, jobs and communities. Our latest? A rugby team. Stand by.

Anyway, back to the story. This lucky dad to two wonderful kiddos was wrapping things up,  moving from table to table talking with New Life Program members, employees and anybody else who desires to connect, when a dude comes rushing from the kitchen.

He’s a friendly-looking chap with a neatly trimmed beard and pleasant demeanor. What he said next, knocked my socks off. “Mark, you probably don’t remember this but about five years ago I was imprisoned in Sterling, Colorado when you came to speak to us. I will never forget it.”

With tears welling in his eyes, the man brought tears to mine when he muttered, “You got right into my face and told me how much you believed in me. That, despite my past, I could still bring great value to this world. I chose to believe you. Thanks for encouraging me.”

We hugged immediately. This man is now in culinary school and learning in the Rescue Mission kitchen. Someone had given this man hope and confidence his life still had value, to himself, others and community.

Never underestimate the power we can have to encourage others and offer hope and confidence.

Folks, we live in challenging times. As a nation, we need fresh ideas infusing America with hope and confidence to overcome what ails us. For example, relations between police departments and the communities they serve and educational practices that prepare future generations for leadership - to name two of the myriad of issues.

I was taught long ago, while earning a master’s degree in journalism at the University of Missouri, “Don’t state the obvious.” However, fellow Americans, we have many fires burning that continue to divide us.

What to do? It can seem overwhelming. Let’s keep it simple. Whenever you can, pour hope and confidence into someone else that they can overcome obstacles.

What’s your favorite word? Why not, encourage? The verb is also defined as “To stimulate and develop.” For someone else, do it this week!