Be the Silver Lining

Today was one of those days.  For no particular reason, even with the sun shining on a beautiful Autumn day, I felt blue.  Insecurity, doubt, and fear had it's grip on me and I couldn't shake it.  However, as the day went on I continued to receive encouraging and kind words from my friends even though they didn't know that my day had been clouded.  Slowly my perspective began to shift and comment by comment I felt my discouraged spirit lifting. 

As I was on my way back from an afternoon run, I looked up and saw a formation of beautiful silver rimmed clouds in the sky.  They immediately made me think of my cloudy day. It was my encouragers who were the "sun", lining the clouds in silver.   I stopped and stared at the clouds for quite some time pondering the priceless value of those in my life that I hold close to my heart.
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​They are the people that...

congratulate me on each small victory.
challenge me to leap.
lift me up when I feel defeated and alone.
cheer me on when I take new risks.
speak truth into my life when I need it.
pray for me.
inspire me.

and most importantly....

BELIEVE IN ME!

Life can be difficult and we all need encouragers in our life that believe in us, especially when we are struggling to believe in ourselves.  It's amazing how a simple word of encouragement and kindness can truly brighten an otherwise gloomy day and bring hope into the darkest of circumstances. Today my heart was full of gratitude for the amazing people in my life.  It was also a powerful reminder that I need to be continuously looking for opportunities to be a silver lining in other people's life as well.  

To all my encouragers....you have no idea how incredibly special you are to me.  I am so very grateful for the impact you have on my life.  Thank you for believing in me, it truly means the world!

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