Before I enter into the “best practices” of fundraising for the year, I want to say something about the foundational power we all have to bring to our work and personal lives.
Whether you are a Pastor, an Executive Director, staffer, teacher, volunteer, parent, partner or spouse, there is one thing we all can (and need to) do…and that is to give encouragement.
Encouragement is one of the greatest gifts we can give. Maya Angelou shared this sentiment when she said:
“If I could give you one thought, it would be to lift someone up. Lift a stranger up. Lift her up. I would ask you, mother and father, brother and sister, lovers, mother and daughter, father and son, lift someone. The very idea of lifting someone up will lift you, as well.”
The best way I can understand the meaning of encouragement is to help a person feel confident and strong. Even when their circumstances leave them feeling hopeless, or their outlook on the world sours, we have the opportunity to provide encouragement.
And what about when you feel discouraged? Listen to and accept encouraging words from those around you. If you are not hearing those words, then be those words for others. You will not only be freeing them from discouragement, you’ll also be freeing yourself from feeling consumed by life’s discouragements.
We have many opportunities to lift others up in the work that we do and in the lives we lead. Don’t pass up the opportunity to do so . . . it will make for a happier New Year!
As always, feel free to share this post with someone you feel would find value in it.
Contact me for a complimentary conversation.
John V. Clark, President/Partner
The James Company
Phone: (815) 353-8997
Email: jclark@jamescompany.com
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