I work for a national nonprofit that helps at-risk youth reach their full potential. I was at a Challenge event for work, along with about fifty of our students. The event is designed to provide experiential education and introduce kids to new environments and experiences that help develop core values like leadership skills, confidence and goal orientation.  

What it provided me in that moment was sheer terror.

I watched the kids rappel down the side of the mountain. And now they expected me to go.  While it was a joy to witness their smiles and the self-confidence that sprouted when they arrived safely at the bottom, I trembled at the thought of experiencing it myself. I was frozen with indecision; how could I expect them to face their fears of being uncomfortable and totally out of their element, and then not step into the fear myself?  We had all been physically trained that day prior to approaching this point but how do you train your mind to conquer fear?

I turned around, my back to the edge, and took shaky, micro steps backwards until both feet clung to the last bit of earth. Legs shaking, heart pounding, I looked ahead at the faces of the kids awaiting their turn, then I looked to the instructor. “I can’t do this,” I blurted out. He reassured me that I was well trained and well equipped to conquer this feat, but his words sounded like noise in my ears, rather than comfort and reinforcement.

Then I heard these three simple words: “You got this.”

I locked eyes with J.K., a tall, soft-spoken 15-year-old boy from Georgia. “Miss Roxane, you got this,” he spoke in a kind, soothing voice with a southern drawl. I gave a weak nod of agreement and then rattled off an excuse that I’d hoped would be sufficient to get me out of my predicament. I don’t remember what I said but I know the word ‘but’ must have followed because J.K. interrupted, “When you say the word ‘but’ everything you said before it doesn’t count.”

J.K.’s words rang true and were the nudge I needed to take that last step backward and over the edge.  

Oh my gosh, I did it! There was no place to go but down. I talked myself through the steps I had learned during training, and I was exuberant when both feet touched the ground. I had done it.

Yes, I got this!

When I look back on that trip, I’m reminded of how important our words can be to another person. They can make a person stronger, bolder, less fearful. Our words can give others the courage to face a seemingly impossible situation. They have incredible power to lift a drooping spirit, calm an anxious heart or inspire people to action.

All of us struggle at times, battle fears, and sink into doubt and despair. We may hit places of emotional weakness and starvation. The right words spoken to us by others may be the food we need for strength, for taking that next step, for going forward rather than standing in fear. Let us all be reminded that we should never withhold encouragement from the discouraged. Give affirmation when and where it’s needed. Be generous with kind words. The world really needs this right now.

Ephesians 4:29 | When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need – words that will help others become stronger.

Wanna pray?

God, thank you for the gift of words and communication. Remind us to stop and ask ourselves: Will what I’m about to say help others become stronger? If the answer is no, please give us the strength to resist hurting others with our words, and fill our mouths with words that bring encouragement, peace and life.