IRON SHARPENS IRON
What is the first picture that comes to your mind when I say “STRENGTH”? Some people see strength as mental or emotional. Others view strength as a physical attribute. The truth? Strength is all of these qualities.
Webster defines strength as: the capacity for exertion or endurance, the power to resist force or attack and one regarded as embodying firmness.
Where Do You Consider Yourself “STRONG”?
Take a step back and reflect. Are you strong emotionally, physically, mentally, relationally? Each of us have unique strengths God has given us. Our first aim is to practice strength within that particular space. If I am mentally strong, I would be motivated to continue strengthening my mental ability. Where do you feel led to grow?
- Acknowledge your strengths.
- Find ways to help build those strengths.
- Through personal reflection and inward exercises
- Through empowering others
- These gifts also come with a purpose. One purpose of that strength is to encourage others.
How Are You Sharing Your Gift of Strength?
Think back over the last year of how many times you had the opportunity to encourage others. Notice I didn’t say “condemn” or “judge”? Encouragement is a positive way to share your strength. Remember, the area you are strong it isn’t necessarily the same area your loved one is strong in. Hence, the reason we encourage versus judge. I’m always reminded of the scripture in Matthew 7:2-4 that says:
“For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye,but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye?”
My Challenge To You.
We have an amazing opportunity to pour out love, encouragement and STRENGTH to others. Empowering others through physical, emotional, mental strength (to name just a few) will in turn empower ourself. When we give of ourselves, we ultimately receive back so much more. I challenge you today to recognize your strengths and choose to empower others in those spaces. Try it for 30 days.
- Journal.
- Write down how you feel right now.
- Then, in 30 days, journal your thoughts and compare.
- It is also very therapeutic to journal the moments you shared your strength with others.
- Be descriptive and include your own thoughts and emotions.
Continue this contagious strength even beyond the next 30 days. Watch how fulfilling it is when we share, encourage and empower others! BE CONTAGIOUS!
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” – Proverbs 27:17
Being Contagious With Change,
Dr. Taaka Cash, DNP, MPH, MSN, RN, FPMHNP-BC is certified through the American Nursing Credentialing Center as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry with prescriptive authority. Visit www.PrivyOasis.com to learn about her practice.