We Can All Be Cheerleaders

We Can All Be Cheerleaders

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Not long ago a friend texted me to tell me about a dream she believes she should start pursuing. As I encouraged her to take a step, she replied, “How do I stop feeling anxious?” To which I responded, “You don’t.” I told her that fear is normal, especially when doing something new, and sometimes you just have to step out and do it afraid. We talked more about specific first steps she could take toward her dream, and then I told her to pray and take just one step that week.

I continued to check in on my friend, asking her how she was doing and what she was working on. I tried to encourage her and remind her of the truth of God’s Word even when she couldn’t quite believe it for herself. Over time her dream grew and began to come to fruition. I was thrilled for her and shared in the joy of knowing she was pursuing all that God had for her life. I loved being able to celebrate her success with her all along the way.

Perhaps that’s where you find yourself today—maybe you’ve had a dream you’ve wanted to pursue but simply haven’t yet, or maybe you don’t know where to start, or maybe you’ve had no one tell you that you can do it. I believe that if God has given you a dream, he will be the one to bring it to pass, if you are obedient to take one step at a time. But we cannot do it alone! We need our friends and community to help us, encourage us, and remind us of God’s truth when we forget or get discouraged. We need to be honest about our hopes and fears and allow others to speak truth to us. And we need to cheer on our friends as well when they are in need of encouragement.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Encourage a friend who is pursuing a dream and ask how you can help.