It’s amazing how the simplest words can mean so much. This morning in a public restroom, I overheard a mom say to her little girl, “You’ve been so good today; I’m very proud of you. ”Perhaps you grew up being applauded for things, but not everyone did. I meet quite regularly with a woman in her sixties who feels like she’s never accepted, good enough, or worthy. When asked if she was ever encouraged by her parents growing up, tears came to her eyes. “No, I was only scolded when I did something wrong.” All these years later, the little girl inside of her desperately needs to hear what that little girl heard, if only once. Today, society has gone from one ditch to the other. Past generations didn’t routinely speak encouragement, yet today’s gives a ribbon for just showing up. You can’t have a birthday party unless you invite everyone; no one can be excluded. Balance…that’s the key. Genuine encouragement is what we all need, want, and long for. Speak words of life into others’ lives, and you just might help heal a heart or two.