What Might Keep Me From Showing Up . . . What is Your Story of Encouragement? . . . Who Be the One Who Gives Help and Hope . . . Street Smarts for Ministry . . . Etcetera: Listening and Reading
I don't see Eric as often these days, but when we were at Highland Eric Gentry was very encouraging to me. He was always complimenting me about whatever I happened to be doing. Highland is blessed to have Eric and his family!
Ruth Browning died on November 2, 2019. I met her when I was 16 years old. I had just started Harding Academy in 1975 and she was a teacher and the librarian. She had never married and was dedicated to her work and the students she worked with. I had been at the academy for about 3 months when we had an all school roller skating party on a Sunday night. Of course, Miss Browning was there. The next morning she called me to her office. She had to talk with me about a concern she had about my actions. I remember her words. She said, “Steve, I saw you out there skating and I felt like you were moving your body just a little too much for the Hokey Pokey.” I had been skating the Hokey Pokey all my life at the church skating parties in St. Louis and I really knew how to “shake it all a bout”. I smiled and promised I would be more careful next time. Thanked her for her concern and walked out of her office with a smile.
Three months later, Miss Browning called me to her office again. Oh boy! I wasn't sure what I had done. She sat me down and we had another talk. This one was different. She said, “Steve, I have been watching you since you started school. I really see a leader. I want to encourage you to be a leader. God has given you some special gifts.” I thanked her for her encouragement as I walked out of her office with a smile. I had never been told that before. She saw and encouraged me to be something I had never considered.
I thank God for Miss Browning and so many others that encouraged me to use the gifts God has given me and I hope I have and will continue to whisper in the ears of others the gifts that I see God has given to them. Thank you Miss Browning for your life that you have dedicated to God and so many other young people like myself.
Steve, I love this! I love how she encouraged you to be a leader. She saw some of your gifts and affirmed them. What a blessing. I also love how you have done the same kind of thing for many other people. I appreciate you, my friend!
Great article
I don't see Eric as often these days, but when we were at Highland Eric Gentry was very encouraging to me. He was always complimenting me about whatever I happened to be doing. Highland is blessed to have Eric and his family!
Brett, you are so right about Eric. Thanks very much! Hope you are doing well.
Ruth Browning died on November 2, 2019. I met her when I was 16 years old. I had just started Harding Academy in 1975 and she was a teacher and the librarian. She had never married and was dedicated to her work and the students she worked with. I had been at the academy for about 3 months when we had an all school roller skating party on a Sunday night. Of course, Miss Browning was there. The next morning she called me to her office. She had to talk with me about a concern she had about my actions. I remember her words. She said, “Steve, I saw you out there skating and I felt like you were moving your body just a little too much for the Hokey Pokey.” I had been skating the Hokey Pokey all my life at the church skating parties in St. Louis and I really knew how to “shake it all a bout”. I smiled and promised I would be more careful next time. Thanked her for her concern and walked out of her office with a smile.
Three months later, Miss Browning called me to her office again. Oh boy! I wasn't sure what I had done. She sat me down and we had another talk. This one was different. She said, “Steve, I have been watching you since you started school. I really see a leader. I want to encourage you to be a leader. God has given you some special gifts.” I thanked her for her encouragement as I walked out of her office with a smile. I had never been told that before. She saw and encouraged me to be something I had never considered.
I thank God for Miss Browning and so many others that encouraged me to use the gifts God has given me and I hope I have and will continue to whisper in the ears of others the gifts that I see God has given to them. Thank you Miss Browning for your life that you have dedicated to God and so many other young people like myself.
Steve, I love this! I love how she encouraged you to be a leader. She saw some of your gifts and affirmed them. What a blessing. I also love how you have done the same kind of thing for many other people. I appreciate you, my friend!
Wonderful. So encouraging, Jim. I'm afraid I've been the cynic ... even I could feel the negativity... I need to do better. Thank you for that.
John, thank you so much. I appreciate you expressing this. Just another reason why I have such respect for you!