Soon after the MWC was formed I visited the Grand Canyon and while there a Voice said to me "You are Encourager-in-Chief of the Mutuality Warrior Corps." During an offcial Board meeting held three days after my return to Los Angeles I informed MWC Board members that I had chosen a title for myself which is "Encourager-in-Chief" of MWC. Like myself, they were familiar with such titles as Editor-in-Chief, Commamnder-in-Chief and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), but knew nothing about the title Encourager-in-Chief anymore than I did before it was revealed to me while at the Grand Canyon. After I had explained to them my reason for embracing this title, like myself, they thought it to be most appropriate because it describes what I conceived to be my primary role as the leader of MWC.

I have met some people who upon hearing that I am Encourager-in-Chief thought that to be preposterous, audacious or that using this title indicates that I am egotistical. However, for the most part, people have rsponded positvely to me having this title and went on to say, "the title really fits me."

In the Bible we read "encourage one another." People have no greater need than their need for encouragement, both to encourage themselves and to encourage others. It is amazing how encouragement lifts a person's spirit. At such time he may be inspired, experience satisfaction, become more productive, empathetic toward others and challenged to consistently be an encourager.

Speaking personally, I can say, however great the responsibility, I am proud and happy to wear the title Encourager-in-Chief," because, in a significant way, it defines who I am. I am an encourager.

There are myraid ways, small and large, to encourage people. They include, but by no means are limited to: extending a smile, an emphathic ear, shedding tears, both of sorrow and of joy, speaking a kind word, doing a good deed, giving recognition to others, having a positive attitude, expressing gratitude, accepting everyone as being significant, and giving all to love. You can be an encourager. Let being an encourager become a way of life. It is a state of consciousness that produces joy. I am both glad and thankful to be an encourager.

While I call myself Encouager-in-Chief of the Mutuality Warrior Corps and an encourager in general and at-large, I feel that a part of my responsibility is to inspire people and that means, as stated in the threefold function of MWC, to "encourage the practice of community."

Foremost among those who encouraged me to be an encourager is my paternal Grandfather. In my book, "Grandpa Benjamin," I state that my Grandfather had a greater impact on my development as a person than any other person."

One way for a person to become an encourager is to focus from time-to-time on a person or persons who have most profoundly and positively impacted his life.

Although, proudly and humbly, I assume the title Encourager-in-Chief there is another title, "Saint Troubadour" that I also use to describe who I am. I write about this, in some detail, in my most recent book, "The Saint Troubadour." Both titles resonate with me soulfully. Despite the fact that I am not prone to use titles or labels, especially with regard to myself, I find that using these titles are a part of my name. A person's title or name defines who he is, reveals his self-image, and determines his behavior. Moreover, it raised the real questions about oneself. The leading one is, What is it, after all, that I amount to ultimately?"

Copyright 2008 by Uriah J. Fields

{I invite you to click on "Poetry" and check out my new song, "The Answer My Friend is Barack Obama." Sing a new song.}