Weaving Support and Encouragement Into the Fabric of Our Lives

One of the most beautiful and needed gifts we can give one another is the gift of support and encouragement throughout life. This element of life is one of my passions. One of my go to verses in scripture is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, it reads, “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up...”

As we journey through life, troubles are inevitable, scripture will tell us the same. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation...” (John 16:33)

Welcome back to my blog. I thank God for the support and encouragement you each give me day over day and week over week. I pray that in the midst of life's challenges, you receive the strength and guidance needed to navigate through it. I pray you are surrounded by the support of friends and loved ones, may you also find strength in their presence and encouragement in their words. May your heart be open to receive the help that others offer, and help you open up to the support that comes from unexpected places.

We all need support and encouragement throughout life. When we lack this in our lives we can become discouraged and disengaged to some degree. We can equally come to deplete ourselves if all we are doing is taking and not filling others up. I remember when I decided to expand my life coaching ministry onto social media. It was nerve racking, I remember the day, just recently, when my website and social media channels went live. I had prayed about it, so many prayed for me. It took courage to let my friends and others whose lives I pour into on a consistent basis know. Of course all would follow, share – support and encourage me, so I thought. As life would have it many did, but a couple did not, they even pretended not to be on the social media platforms but we all know you can’t hide from technology. I remember one moment in particular when one of them told me that he is not on Instagram, the next day his profile pops up on my feed as a, ‘suggested contact’, I could not believe it. He was on and active as can be on social media. I was so heartbroken. During that time, as God would have it, I had received an unexpected direct message (DM) from an old pastor and friend. I was surprised to read the DM, she has truly never been one for social media. As it turns out, she joined to support me. She sent a prayer in her DM and said, ‘Remember to set your hope on God as you follow your calling to serve. People will fail you but God never will.’ Talk about hearing from God. That same week this friend who had lied to me, kept his support, needed me. I was hurt but I said nothing and showed up. I shared some time with him, poured words of encouragement. Before I left, he thanked me and he willingly admitted that he purposely avoided following me because he was, ‘annoyed at my courage…’ While I am happy to report our friendship is stronger than ever, it took me leaning into forgiveness and kindness. It is important to be intentional about our gifts from the spirit, we all have them, especially when we are least feeling it, it is when we should most stretch ourselves and give it. God has gifted us all the ability to immerse ourselves in love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, the ability to exercise it, even in the most trying moments is what determines our quality of life. Our actions are a like a magnet in life, it attracts the same energy. Luke 6:38 reads, “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

Expressing ourselves and extending ourselves is not always easy but as we immerse ourselves in this practice, we will receive the same vibration in our own life experience. Individuals that prioritize support systems also tend to be more resilient in the face of challenges. Proverbs 11:24-25 reads, “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” Hence, if we spend our lives dipping we deplete ourselves.

Some months back, I had a couple that came to me to work on improving their social and communication skills. They wanted to build skills that would help them get integrated into the community, they were feeling isolated.  When I asked them to describe their life, all the activities they described was one in which they enjoy the hospitality and generosity of others. Not once did I hear about moments they gave back, stepped up. We started our journey, little by little we worked together on being generous with time, kindness, support, encouragement, they had even had people over to their house for the first time. Getting them to be cheerful givers, weave back in to the community took work. Through the goodness of God, after some months of working this into their lives, they finally built a habit of opening the doors of their heart and home. I am happy to report that this couple’s marriage has reaped the rewards, their marriage is much healthier and they have built community and strengthened their faith in the process.

Support and encouragement are not just abstract concepts; they are crucial roles in fostering wellness and faith. They are tangible forces that positively impact mental, emotional, and physical well-being. They form the bedrock of a healthy and fulfilling life.

One biblical story that illustrates support and encouragement that we can all learn from is the story of Jonathan and David from the Old Testament, found in the Book of 1 Samuel. Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, a young shepherd, developed a deep and genuine friendship. Despite the fact that David was anointed to be the future king of Israel, and Jonathan was the heir to the throne, Jonathan recognized God's favor on David and supported him. In 1 Samuel 18:1-4, it says: "As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt." Jonathan's support for David went beyond words; he took tangible actions to show his friendship and loyalty. Despite the political tension and the fact that David was a threat to Jonathan's position as heir to the throne, Jonathan supported David. Later in the story, when Saul sought to kill David, Jonathan continued to encourage him. In 1 Samuel 23:16-18, it says: "And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, 'Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.' And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home." Jonathan's encouragement was not only in words but also in strengthening David's trust in God and assuring him of God's plan for his life. This story exemplifies the power of support. If you don’t have support and encouraging people in your life right now, become one, trust in God to pour it back into your life.

If you need help navigating this or any area of life, let’s do it together. Together we can foster a place where you will feel heard, supported, and encouraged.  Click HERE for a free introductory call.

Blessings from your life coach and friend, 

Isabel Plasencia