To help people recognize ways, if they're being discouraged.
Revised Edition: Have you ever been discouraged? Are you fed up with feeling this way? If so, then this book is for you! You will discover what causes discouragement, where discouragement comes from, and the people who cause you to feel discouraged. You also will learn about Breaking The Cycle (Process of Elimination) and other steps, with wonderful insight, to keep you aware of people who are for you and who are against you, in spite of the odds, which you face through life. Let's face it. Everyone has odds set against them, but the people in your circle makes all the difference in your world. And ask God for guidance to help you overcome discouragement, and to eliminate discouraging or hindering sources who don't want to see you succeed. Be encouraged, precious heart!
Excerpt
Where Does Discouragement Come From?
I’m certain everyone is familiar with this word. I don’t know one person who hasn’t come across discouragement. Some would say in order to enjoy success you’d have to go through failure, disappointment, and even discouragement. However, there are wonderful insights the Lord wants me to share with you. Whether you believe in God or not, discouragement can be brutal and also be your worst enemy! Before I elaborate on discouragement, I want to give the dictionary’s definitions:
Discourage – 1 : to deprive of courage or confidence : DISHEARTEN 2 a: to hinder by disfavoring *trying to discourage absenteeism* b : dissuade or attempt to dissuade from doing something.
Discouragement – 1 : the act of discouraging : the state of being discouraged. 2 : something that discourages.
What comes to your mind when you see this word? For me, the word is utterly depressing. Honestly speaking, this negative word does affect us in ways we can't imagine, and this melancholic spirit can damage you mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Do you see where I’m going with this? If not, I will specify. If we’re truly candid with ourselves, we should ask ourselves, "Where does discouragement stem from?" People who discourage others don’t happen out-of-the-blue; they’ve learned it from a source. Discouragement is a tool Satan uses well because he knows this battle stops people from progressing into their destinies. And Satan operates through people, who are an open vessel, to flood negativity into others, who aren’t able to protect their souls from this lethal mindset. Discouragement can hinder you from various opportunities God has in store for you, if you let it.
Okay, now to the root of the problem. Before I start writing this e-book, I prayed to the Lord to open my heart and mind because there is someone out there who needs to hear the truth. There is someone who feels like he or she is ready to throw in the towel, and give up on life altogether because he or she heard so many times, “You’ll never amount to anything,” or “You’re not as smart as your brother,” or you heard, “You’re not as pretty and thin like your sister. The only way you can get a man to notice you if you lose weight,” or “You might as well give up your dream. Singing isn’t a real job!” Yes, those are a few examples of what discouragement sounds like. Harsh. Right? But statements like these exist and it destroys our well-being.
Don’t be disheartened, after you finish reading this e-book, I pray your perspective will change for the better and inspire you to think on whom you should let in your life. Please take heart when I say you are precious and there won’t be another person like you. God created you fine just the way you are. It took me a long time to accept this truth and He is working on me daily. “For thou (you) hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee (you); for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” - (Psalms 139:13-14 KJV).
It’s easier said than done, right? Right. Yes, discouragement is lousy to everybody. I know I’ve had my fair share of discouragement. This problem started in my childhood. I remember not being the smallest or having the lightest skin in my family. I was eight or nine when my weight started to show. My parents weren’t supportive. They poked fun at me because my pants didn’t fit (my father ridiculed me about that). “She needs to do sit-ups, so she can lose that stomach.” My mother criticized me for not having fairer skin, not being pretty, or being thin enough. She looked at all three of her daughters, smiling at first, saying, “God has given me some beautiful girls.” Her eyes locked on mine, disappointed, and she said, “What makes Chimere pretty is her attitude.”
She doesn't think I'm beautiful. Yes, very hurtful. And then she would say, “You can’t be too heavy, or no man will be able to pick you up.” Again, she scrutinized me with that same disappointing look when I was a teenager. Why would a father or mother say something like that to his or her own child? It’s obvious they still have issues stemmed from their painful childhood lives. They rarely opened up about their lives as children, but when I became an adult, I understand from a spiritual angle. They’re only acting out what they know. It’s sad, but true. A woman once told me, “I am the way I am because someone did that to me.” Nonetheless, I want to say this, it doesn’t excuse a person to adapt in destructive behavior.
We, as people, have the power to change what has been taught to us by transforming our perspectives. “And be not conformed to this world but be ye (you are) transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye (you) may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” - (Romans 12:2 KJV).
Discouragement comes from your circle of influence. You know. People you see on a daily basis. They could be a family member, friend, co-worker, or even your enemy. I know what you’re thinking. Huh? How can this be? Believe me, when you haven’t grown up in a nurturing environment, you’ll be astounded what people pick up from their “circle of influence.” If you’re interested on how to overcome this battle, stay tuned for the next chapter.
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Want to get your kids praising more than just their favorite sports stars and celebrities?
Gather a group of praise-minded youths, add 26 beautifully illustrated praise affirmations, couple them with 26 appropriate Bible verses, stir in short Bible
