I was helping a friend get an air compressor working again. After finding and fixing a defective switch it was time to make sure everything else was working properly. It started up and began to run... (yay!) and run... and run... and run... and run... and run... (uh oh! not yay). A little more detective work uncovered a fitting leaking out air; just enough so the compressor would never achieve a satisfied pressure.
Some words are deflating. Some people are. You've been there. Someone said something to you or about you that sucked the life out of you. You shrank inside and felt diminished. "You're less than you could be when you allow vampire words to suck the life out of you." Those that "give-life" notice our strengths. The "vampires" seek out our weakness.
Reginald Duncan changed the course of my life because he believed in me. He taught me about electronics. Sam Hankins changed the course of my life because he believed in me. He taught me about automotive repair. People who believe in you highlight your talent. "Admiration lengthens your stride."
Not even Jesus was immune to the ill influence of others. "'Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Juda?' ... So they were offended at Him. ... He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief." (Matt 13:55-58)
As we RESET for the new year, would it be possible for us to...
Realize that our words and actions toward others are powerful?
Encourage others to rise up and be the best that they are capable of?
Say words that give life to others and not suck it away?
Expect the best from people rather than focus on what is worst?
Take the Time to Tell others about Talents we see in Them that are Terrific?
"Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, ... that it may impart grace to those who hear." (Eph 4:29) Help people feel better. They already have enough "vampires" but will never have enough encouragers.
- Tim Orbison