I have been thinking about the word encourage lately. What it means, and specifically what it means to me, and those near and dear to me. My pondering derived as I listened to a friend contemplating a new career, but feeling crippled by fear of the unknown future. As I listened, I wondered what I could do to bring light to these intimidating thoughts. I felt disheartened, feeling like I failed as a friend because I couldn’t offer anything tangible to fix this struggle for my friend.  
 
As I drove away, the word encourage came to my mind. I began visualizing the word and piecing it apart. With a gasp, I found myself in an ah-ha moment because if you dissect encourage and flip flop it, it becomes so clear…to encourage (en•courage) someone is to put courage in (courage•en) someone!!! Now this is probably not anything profound to most, but it really impacted how I look at this word.

Reflecting on my own path, this is SO so true! Words of encouragement, literally, are the reason I am where i am today. A few years back, Shiloh and Austin, a sweet couple asked me to photograph their upcoming wedding. I had been taking pictures, but had, at that time, never shot a wedding and decided I would NEVER photograph weddings. i had heard horror stories and felt completely intimidated at the thought and pressure of a wedding, and decided I was not capable of such an undertaking. Shiloh and Austin asked again. I informed them of ALL the reasons I felt disqualified for what they were asking me (a.k.a never shot a wedding!!!), but they never ceased in their belief I could photograph their wedding and reassured me this was something I could do. 
 
Later that year, I shot their wedding. Their encouragement and belief in me is the reason I did it and I am ever grateful for their words that put courage IN me to try. I love photographing weddings now, and think of them every time I prepare for a wedding shoot. It’s amazing to me to think how this one bit of encouragement has taken me on such a beautiful journey. 
 
Sometimes we don’t know what our words can do for someone. And sometimes it is simply just saying I believe in you. Words are a powerful thing; they can put courage IN someone, and they can also take away courage when the words are hurtful.  
 
What a beautiful thing to think we can propel the lives of those around us with our words of encouragement!!!  
 
Happy Monday all!