Today I had the awesome privilege of encouraging runners and walkers at the Run For Courage around Lake Merritt. It surprised me how people responded to the simplest phrases – Keep smiling, you got this, keep breathing, keep moving it’s worth it.
Encouragement is contagious. Other people who weren’t even part of today’s race were encouraged by my words as they ran by. They smiled back at me and said nice things. It spread beyond the course. One man joined the pack just to be encouraged. You should have seen all the smiles and high fives I got. I, not only offered but, received encouragement in return.
Isn’t it incredible how a few words of support can make you can run harder, faster, and farther than you ever believed possible. You tend to dig deeper, even smile through the pain as long as there is someone there to say, “I believe in you.”
I started thinking about Hebrews 12:1 and how it says, “We are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.” I’ve always imagined what they might be saying to us – Hang in there. You can make it. They’ve already made it. They know what it takes to run this race. Their stories let us know that it’s not about perfection, or strength, or sophistication, but faith, trust, and perseverance.
Your words have power (Proverbs 18:21). Use them to build up someone else (Ephesians 4:29). And no matter where you are in this race, whether you’re walking or running, stay the course. Keep going. Make it to the end. It counts!
Truth & Freedom Ministries 
Cheers for encouragement! Says it all…someone out there believes in me!
Yes I do believe in you. And thank you for being such an example of encouragement in my life. I know if I’m feeling down I can always count on you to lift me up. 🙂
BRILLIANT, so true and so inspiring! Praise God for supporters, encourages, witnesses and volunteers… they make the race a lot less arduous and more worthwhile.
Amen! One lady said to me, “You’re the reason I’m still smiling.” It felt good to know that my encouragement meant something to her as she pounded on the pavement. You just never know how what you say will give someone the extra push to keep on keeping on.
As one of the runners on the receiving end of that encouragement, I feel very grateful. Having had sinus surgery just a little over a month ago, I signed up for the 10K with the hopes of pushing myself with the goal of just finishing the race – but also training for it in the little time I had to ramp up. As we approached the run, I was feeling stronger and started to believe I could finish the run without stopping or walking. The encouragement and smiling faces along the way helped me reach that goal! I am thankful for you and the numerous volunteers, and I give all the glory to God.
Yes, Cris, Praise God. I was encouraged to see you run by, your heart and body fully engaged. You said to me, “I know how much you must love this cause because you hate being cold.” I know how much you must love it to push past your physical limits and give it all you’ve got.