Looking back over my life it becomes clear that people who have ‘believed’ in me, and told me so, have made a huge difference in my life. I think that it probably raised my level of productivity and performance quite a bit, to tell the truth. Beginning with school and sports when I was a kid, there were those along the way who just seemed to have a knack at bringing me up a notch with their encouragement. There’s no way I could forget my Mom and Dad in talking about this subject. They, somehow, imparted the mindset that my brother, Monty and I, could do ‘anything’ that we set out to do! That has served to be invaluable in my life and I think he’d say the same thing too.

I often tell people who are in places of influence, whether they’re a school teacher, soccer coach for 4 year olds or they pastor a church, that they have an extremely important responsibility and opportunity. I’m afraid there’s millions of little kids out there who are not getting much encouragement at all. That really bothers me! We all are born with unlimited potential but many go through their life without ever hearing it. We can make a difference.

It surely starts with children but our need to be validated and believed in doesn’t stop there. We may not ‘need’ it as much as when we’re adults….but it still feels good and I think, still, raises us up to another level. You know, the Father’s very good at this thing we’re talking about! That’s just another reason we should be engaged relationally, and interacting with Him!

When you believe in someone, tell them! …….and even if you’re not overly convinced of the success of their future…..tell them anyway! It might just make all the difference in their life!!