Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing –1 Thess. 5:11/NIV

What inspired me to write this piece was coming in contact with Josh Shipp’s short videos for parents. Josh offers real, practical solutions and encouragement for parents of teenagers. His story, in short, is of someone who overcame incredible odds as a foster child, going in and out of 20-some homes. Without harshness, Josh has decided to share his wisdom with parents.

I am not sure where Josh stands on Jesus, but I see Jesus working through Josh.

I still believe that Jesus can work through anyone, even those who don’t profess him.

I think of Cornelius before he obeyed the Gospel. I imagine that even before he knew the Good News of Jesus, that Jesus held his life and work together because Cornelius’ heart was good soil.

I envision him a good leader. Good leaders give life to their followers by humbly following the righteous orders of natural law. And eventually, Cornelius was open to Jesus, and blessed others in his household as well.

I picture Cornelius continuing to grow as a life-giving grace-filled leader, becoming more focused as he came in contact with Christ.

It has been stated that it takes 9-20 positives to overcome one negative comment/experience. Could it be said that it is necessary to impart a relationship filled with positivity and purpose always before considering offering any criticism, in any circumstance?

Social media has its benefits, but wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t just like or message social media connections, but took a little time to talk to a lot of people more. Imagine all of the encouragement and good counsel that we could impart and learn from each other.

We live in an age where encouragement can rise to new levels if we so give it legs, arms and words. I believe more today than ever that people need caring for their bodies and souls the way our utmost encourager, counselor and healer Christ would.

I believe that Jesus simply asks that those me more today to impart more grace through encouragement for the grace he has given me.

Amazing!