ENCOURAGE and SUPPORT

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. 

We have a duty to encourage one another. Many a time a word of praise or thanks or appreciation or cheer has kept a someone on their feet. Blessed is the one who speaks such a word. - Barclay

This work that I am honored to do with our Attorney General’s Outreach Team regarding the role of faith in the addiction crisis affords me the blessing of meeting some rather remarkable folks. 

Last night was no exception.

My friend and fellow Pastor Ralph Edwards was so gracious to allow me and our team from the EPIDEMIC of HOPE to share our strategy and vision with the wonderful folks of MAHONING County Ohio.

And as we have done with luminaries like Darryl and Tracy Strawberry and Michael English, we partnered with former Ohio State standout and National Champion Maurice Clarett for last night’s gathering. (www.mauriceclarettonline.com)

Maurice is doing some remarkable work in Youngstown, Columbus, and other spots in Ohio.  He has developed one of the most creative recovery programs I have seen.  He is a tireless advocate and a most creative mind.  His ideas and solutions are innovative, bathed in faith and hope and are making a huge difference in the lives of Ohioans. 

And while I was interviewing Maurice last night he made a comment that really made an impression on me. He said our FIRST move in serving those that are hurting, those suffering in addiction, those who have been disenfranchised is to ENCOURAGE and SUPPORT them before anything else.

A hug goes a long way.

An encouraging word can be a catalyst for change.

Made me think of this little quote from Barclay I opened today’s OFH with.

Go back and give it a re-read! 

That adage is true.

“People DON’T CARE what you KNOW until they KNOW that you CARE.”

Yet I see it so often, folks of FAITH who instead of loving and THEN LEADING, choose to “SERMONIZE before offering support.

It's true.

Maurice’s work on the streets of Youngstown and Columbus is evidence to power of LOVE, ENCOURAGEMENT, and SUPPORT.  He is daily seeing lives changed and folks recovering because of this simple strategy. 

Can we follow his lead?

Today before the lecture, levy a little love?

Today instead of sarcasm, provide a little support?

GOD likes it.

And quite frankly GOD requires it!

…encourage each other and help each other grow stronger in faith.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ERV)

Let’s do whatever will help each other grow stronger in faith.

Romans 14:19 (ERV)

Love you all!

Have an AWESOME weekend!

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE