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Give a Word of Encouragement 11-16-2008 |
Many people have expressed their concerns about the economy to me over the past several weeks. How many of us have whispered prayers for our children, spouses, even for ourselves seeking God’s providence where employment is concerned? Aside from praying, there is something else each of us can do for one another.
Did you know Nathanael Hawthorne lost his job? He worked for years in a customhouse until one day he was fired. On that frightful day, he didn’t want to go home to his wife, Sophie because he didn’t want to be perceived as a failure. Mustering all the courage he could, he managed to go home and break the news to his wife.
As he walked into the house, he blurted out to Sophie, “I’ve lost my job, what are we going to do?” And then he began to sob.
Sophia surprised him with, as he put it, “an exclamation of joy.” She said, “Well, well. Now you can do the one thing you should have done years ago – you can write your book!”
“That all sounds well and good,” said Hawthorne, “and what shall we live on while I am writing it?” To his amazement, Sophia opened a desk drawer to reveal a substantial amount of money. “Where on earth did you get that?” he asked.
“I’ve always known you were a genius, and I knew that one day you would need the time to write your book. So, I have been saving money for years. There is enough money here for us to live on for maybe a year.”
Hawthorne spent several months writing his first novel, which eventually became an American classic, The Scarlet Letter.
Nathanael Hawthorne always remembered the day he told his wife about losing his job because it was her words of encouragement and love that directed him to reach for his dream. He concluded every lecture by telling his audiences “give each other a word of encouragement!”
You know folks, Hawthorne’s advice is certainly needed today. I bet there is someone in your life, at the office, in your home who needs a word of encouragement from you. Be sure to give it; you never know the power it may have on their life!
Have a great week!
Love, Fr. Bill
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