I admit it, I am not good at complementing people. I’m not proud of it, but I really never gave it much thought until the other day. God had something to show me.

That day I was desperate. I mean my heart was aching for a compliment, encouragement…someone to say “Deb, you’re doing ok” kind of thing. I was having a bad day, ok a bad week, and it was wearing me down. So, what does a girl do when she’s desperate? Many things I guess; my go to solution is a pity party. Ya know, the ones that go like this: “No one cares, no one thinks of me, all I do is give, give and give! No one says Thank you…!” yadda, yadda…you get the idea! I love me some parties, but this this kind is not so healthy.

My heart still was not feeling any better after the party faded. I then remembered (I think Holy Ghost whispered) James 4:2 “we do not have because we do not ask.” It was a crazy thought. Why would I ask God to send encouragement or a compliment? That’s selfish! But, I did. I asked. I told God I didn’t want to attend any more pity parties and I needed encouragement.

I wish God always answered prayers as quickly as He did this time. It was only a few hours later I received a phone call from a friend. It was suppose to be a quick phone call to ask me a random question, but before I guess she knew it, she was telling me how thankful she was for me and so grateful for how I inspire her in her faith, and considered me to be such a dear friend. Now, if I wanted to insert an emoji..it would be the one with two big bulging heart eyes…that is how happy, how grateful I was for that God moment. She had no idea those words were like medicine to my aching heart.

It was after that phone call, God showed me the gift of our words. He says there is power in our tongue to produce life or death. (Proverbs 18:21) But there are so many people we come into contact every day that are aching for someone to just say something that will be medicine to their souls. I want to be a generous gift giver in material things, but I think starting with being generous with my words will last longer and be more appreciated. You never know, you could possibly be in the same room with someone that is being tormented with suicidal thoughts. People all around us have aching hearts and don’t show it. Let’s not wait, let’s be generous, let’s give the gift of a compliment…regularly! Will you join me?