Hello Everyone, This is Chaplain Sung Kim. I am Deputy CMD CH in the 63d Readiness Division. I pray you are well.
Dealing with the coronavirus is a medical and emotional challenge. We’re having vaccination in the midst of COVID-19. All of us are going to need reassurance, encouragement, or a sympathetic ear during this difficult time.
George Adams said, “There are high spots in all of our lives, and most of them have come about through encouragement from someone else.” You are braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” Now is our time to be strong and to actualize that which is hidden within us and bring it to its potential.
John Maxwell published a book, “Encouragement changes everything.” Several times in my life, I have wanted to stop, but words or deeds of encouragement have kept me going. Encouragement Makes People Better. Encouragement Turns Lives around. Encouragement is deciding to make your problem my problem. Encouragement Gives Hope. Everybody Needs Somebody. Please think about how we can encourage our Family, friends and our community today.
None of us can get through life without encouragement—especially from a parent, best friend, schoolteacher, counselor or spiritual leader. Their support keeps us going and believing in ourselves. When someone gives you encouragement, you are given the courage to do something important. You are made stronger.
When I joined in the Army 20 years ago, Chaplain Basic Leader Course was very much challenging to me. One night I remember feeling very alone and discouraged as I knelt beside my bed. I asked God to, “Please send someone to encourage me,” to remind me I was not on my own.
Within a couple of hours, that simple prayer was answered. To my amazement, a piece of paper appeared from under my door. Curious as to what it was, I opened it immediately. The words written were exactly what I needed to hear from my battle buddy. Words of hope. Words that reminded me I was not alone. Words that gave me the strength to face another day.
The truth is, words of encouragement have power. Research has proven that brain function is at its best and quality of life is at its peak when we are processing positive rather than negative words.
How do you practice to provide power of encouragement to your people today?
Speaking of healing and encouraging, writing an encouraging note to someone, smile, listen, acknowledge, share positive thoughts, praise effort and progress, and etc.
Make a commitment today to practicing just one of these encouragements with your team, your colleagues, your family, and others and you’ll be well on your way to being a positive influence.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Today’s Prayer: Father, Worry and fear are not of Your heart. 1 John 4 reminds us that perfect love casts out all fear, and we pray Your perfect love upon the hearts of all those who are burdened with the fear of this virus. Lord, we know with no doubt that You are bigger than the threat of anything, especially illnesses. Please comfort those who are living in fear, please free them from the bondage that anxiety creates within. We know You cover us with Your wings.
Have a blessed day! Blood and Fire!
Here is the direct email and phone number for anyone requesting support from the 63d RD Chaplain office,
usarmy.usarc.63-rsc.list.chaplain-all-users@mail.mil
650-526-9668