Encourage and discourage are two of the most powerful words in any relationship.

Either one can make or break a person’s desire to achieve what God had intended in their lives.

When we encourage someone, we give them courage, hope or confidence to be successful in anything they do. Discouragement deprives that person of courage, hope or confidence.

I’m sure most people have heard the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.”

I believe that 100 percent of the people who have been verbally abused will disagree with that statement. Emotional wounds sometimes never heal.

Children are the victims of most discouragement.

As I look back, I realize that I was guilty of not being the encourager that God intended me to be for my wife and my four children.

Did I discourage them?

I don’t know if they will admit it, but I did.

After my children grew up, I read a book by Zig Ziglar titled “Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World.”

It convicted me of how many mistakes I made with my family.

Today, I realize that a sense of self-worth is often based on the positive or negative reaction of those around them.

I haven’t made as many mistakes with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Now I’m more focused on being a positive influence to others. I have to remind myself to overlook flaws and love unconditionally.

I’m still a work in progress.

If you have any questions or comments, please write Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-542-8477 or email hkeller@comcast.net.