Felicity Wright

Travels

Grace Happens Part III (a.k.a. “Encouragement”)

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Encouragement – it seems like an ordinary word that simply means “the act of encouraging” or “the state of being encouraged.” Ordinary. Bah. Humbug.

Not so! Encouragement is the bedrock of our faith, the source of our hope. This is because it is derived from “courage,” which itself comes from the Latin cors, or heart. And so “encouragement” literally means “giving heart to.” When we encourage our children, our friends, and those who are struggling, we are literally giving them a piece of our heart. And is this not the very heart of the gospel?

As I join nine others in our service trip to Nepal, I have been encouraged in so many ways. I particularly want to thank Ginny Curinga, Amy Greene, Alice Middleton, Laurel Morrison, and Jason Wright who went way out of their way to contribute money and supplies. And many more of you have provided encouragement through your prayers, enthusiasm, and help in working out logistics like dog, house, and garden care.

Please don’t stop!

I am the oldest person going on the trip and thought I was doing very well (having graduated from Dr. Dark Chocolate, M.D., to the 12-step Elliptical Program). But in the last few days, my lower back has started acting up (the same area where I had surgery four years ago.) I’m sure that it is stress and anxiety, but I really don’t want to be a burden to the other folks AND I want to help the orphanages and join in the trek.

So please continue to pray for me, for Carla, for the other eight, and for the orphaned children who need our help. I am usually a bit reluctant to ask for prayers (preferring to be the “strong” one who prays for others), but humility is a virtue and I’m learning. I need your encouragement and your prayers.

But as you “give a piece of your heart” to me and the others on this trip, please also look around you to find someone closer to home that needs encouragement. Remember that encouragement is a seed that, when sowed freely and tended lovingly, provides food and nourishment for years to come.

Thank you.

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