Pantyhose . . .

Now, you men may not understand this unless you deer hunt, but pantyhose offer great support.  They pull everything in and can even give you a tan.

There are many aspects of our life that we can use support – other than just the pantyhose variety.  We can use support raising our families, studying for school, going for an interview, getting married, when a loved one passes away and so many other reasons!  But, how many of us really have a good support system?

There are so many different ways I have seen people encourage and support one another.  For me I put encouragement and support together because they sort of act as one. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (NIV)

A simple phone call asking how you are doing – and meaning it! – That is a great way to encourage and support somebody.  I have asked myself before when somebody asks “how are you doing?” – does this person want to know the truth or the polite answer.  The truth could be: I’m doing great; it could be: I am not doing good at all; it could be: I am having the best day ever; it could be: I’m really depressed.  The polite answer – I’m fine.  I can’t tell you how many times that I have simply said I’m fine instead of telling the truth and the person I was talking to just kept going with the conversation.  But, I love it when the person responds with something like – no really, how are you?!  This is AWESOME – this person wants to know the truth, that person is part of my support system, they are an encourager!!

1 Thessalonians 5:14 - And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (NIV)

Encouragement and support can also come from strangers.  Have you ever been in public and you drop something and a stranger picks it up and hands it to you?  If you have or if you were the one that picked up the item, you just received or gave a small piece of support to somebody.  Have you ever smiled at a person in the store that looked like they are having a bad day – that is a little bit of encouragement and that could be the only smile that person receives that day!

In today’s world with Facebook and Twitter we also get encouragement and support from people we have never met face to face simply because of social media.  Do you remember when your friend’s, mother’s, best friend’s, uncle’s, nephew’s, cousin had surgery and you prayed for them and commented on the status or “liked” the status – yep, you got it – you gave some encouragement and support that day!! 

Romans 12:8 - if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (NIV)

We all need a support system, at some point in your life something good or bad is going to happen and that support system is going to come around you and cheer you on.   I hope you can build it from people that lift you up and not tear you down!  I hope it is people who you trust to give good advice and not be upset if you decide to go a different way!  I hope it is with people who will pray for you and encourage you! 

2 Corinthians 13:11 - Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. (NIV)