ENCOURAGEMENT

One of the most poignant lines in a movie comes from the holiday classic, It's a Wonderful Life.  Joseph, the head angel summons Clarence, a rookie guardian angel, to give him a mission to help George Bailey.
"You sent for me, sir?"
"Yes, Clarence. A man down on earth needs our help."
Clarence asks, " Splendid! Is he sick?"  
Joseph answers, "No, worse, he's discouraged."  

I always get a little choked up at that point because I know that in my own experience getting over discouragement at times has been harder than healing from any injury or virus I've suffered.  Our bodies have built-in ways to deal with minor cuts, bruises, infections and other wounds.  But a wound of the heart or soul doesn't seem to just "fix itself" the way our bodies do. 

As I was planning the upcoming retreat, Women Encouraged - Finding the Wind Beneath Your Wings, the thought occurred to me that I can't remember the last time someone described themselves as "discouraged."  Maybe it's because we are less inclined these days to share our "weaknesses," or maybe people just don't recognize that they are discouraged, due to our fast pace lifestyle and stress.  But unlike our physical bodies, our hearts and souls need personal attention and an action plan to find our way back.

When we're discouraged, we need our friends to tell us how great (really) we are.  We need others to remind us that God is on our side...and that "this too shall pass."  We need some new perspectives...a multitude of counsel from those we respect.  We need to examine WHY we're discouraged...and where that issue originates.  We need to pray for ears to hear and for our hearts to be opened.  Maybe we need to loosen our grip or lower our expectations.  But all of this takes some intentional time...time we need to make...or take.

This Summer Retreat will focus on encouraging YOU...even if you are not discouraged...accentuating the positive in life is always helpful!  Please come and bring some of your best, trusted friends for a day of laughter, fun and encouragement!