Don't 'Dis' Encouragement by Sharon Heagy

Sunset at Pike Lake Saskatchewan

 "Oh give me a home, where the buffalo roam,

Where the deer and the antelope play,

Where seldom is heard a discouraging word,

And the skies are not cloudy all day."

(B. Higley - lyrics. D. Kelley - Music. Public domain)

Looking at the lyrics of the song above, I wondered, 'Does such a place exist this side of heaven?' I was tempted to point out all the things that may be wrong with the picture of serenity these lyrics create but then I considered the frame of mind of the composer. What a sacred space and a peace filled span of time he must have been experiencing. He had just moved to a cabin near West Beaver Creek and was inspired by his surroundings. My words would have been anything but encouraging.

When I was young I played a few sports including hockey and briefly baseball. My coach was the same for both hockey and baseball and she was quite committed as her daughter played on both teams. Being an average player myself,  any encouragement would give me a confidence boost and keep me going. She was a wonderful hockey coach and spoke words that increased the morale of the whole team, winning or losing. But when it came to baseball the story changed. Any mistake was pointed out and players were berated rather than corrected. Such a different environment than on the ice. We were all trying our best and many of us were just learning how to play.  It got to the point where those who had just joined ended up leaving the team after just a few practices and a couple of games. Please don't misunderstand me, she was a terrific lady who was dedicated to her family and their activities, but her encouraging and discouraging words had differing effects on the teams she coached.

Feedback on my writing has included both positive and negative comments. Negative comments are not necessarily discouraging. Pointed critique and criticism is valuable and improves my writing as long as it is presented in a constructive way with a little splash of grace and kindness. While it may give a little sting to my ego or a pinprick to my pride it is always profitable. It is encouraging! 

When writers of experience give you validation it helps you to continue. At an InScribe event in Saskatoon years ago, I was overwhelmed by the creativity and production of those in attendance and I wondered why on earth I was even there. By the end of the weekend I had learned a great deal and had some uplifting words to tuck in with my scribbled attempts which were asked to read out loud. Lingering a bit as people left I approached a table where a couple of the organizers sat, resting after their long couple of days. My plan was to thank them as I knew what it took to put together an event of that size and to keep it running smoothly. As I thanked them unbidden and surprising tears came to my eyes. They had given so much in time, knowledge and inspiration. They turned my heart from "I don't belong here' to 'Maybe I can write.' As I tried to regain my composure one of the women turned to the other and said, "This is why we do this." Those, like me, beginners floundering around looking for direction were worth their efforts. My heart filled to overflowing with gratitude. 

At a Saskatchewan Writer's Group experimental workshop event that ran once a month for a number of months and ended with a public reading with a payment. As I received my cheque I told the co-ordinator I felt like a real writer. She boldly looked me straight in the eye and said, "You ARE a writer." What a lift and confirmation that gave me.

Though many people have helped me dare to go beyond my comfort zone in InScribe, there is one lady whose continued faith in me has helped me to have faith in myself and I am sure she has done the same with others. 

I read and am grateful for every comment in response to my posts on the InScribe blog. Knowing how much those comments buoy me, I try to leave encouraging comments on the blogs of others and try to be mindful of specific parts that speak to me as Brenda Leyland has encouraged us to do. 

Having been encouraged in multiple and varied ways, there is a need and a duty to pass on uplifting and inspiring word to others. Just as our writing gift comes from God, steadfast encouragement, no matter the source, has the heart of God behind it. Like anything else God gives us, we are not to hoard it to ourselves but we are to share it with others. As I have been encouraged, so I should be encouraging. 

May you know that the words you write make a difference and touch hearts for God. 

"A man has joy in giving an appropriate answer, and how good and delightful is a word spoken at the right moment-how good it is!" Proverbs 15:23 AMP

"Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken at the right time." Proverbs 25:11 AMP

Sharon Heagy writes from the small but vibrant town of Rockglen, Saskatchewan, nestled in the valley near the Burning Hills. She writes to inspire and give hope with a chuckle or two along the way.