Listen Live
Praise Charlotte App Graphics
Praise 100.9 Featured Video
CLOSE

Tanya Wilson

360You

I received a priceless gift during a recent speaking engagement here in Charlotte. As I entered the room prepared for my presentation, I noticed a woman seated in the audience whose face was familiar to me. While being escorted to my seat, I could see her trying to get my attention. I waved and took my seat on the stage, not expecting what was to come.

Before I knew it, her familiar face was standing right in front of me. She greeted me with the biggest hug and the broadest smile. “I found a job following your visit one year ago.” She went on to share that in addition to her new job, she had found housing and bought a car for she and her family. As I listened, her story came back to me. I remembered the broken place that she was, and how damaged her self esteem was. Her hung head that I had seen on an earlier visit was now held high. This time, she was there as a guest, no longer a resident.

By her own admission, she had not made the best choices in life struggling through her addictions. It seemed that during the times when she would reach out of her muck and mire, there was someone there to remind her of her past convincing her there was nothing better for her

As a woman of a certain age, she also struggled with internal messaging that said, is it too late, and am I too old to even try?

During the visit she was referring to, I encouraged the participants to turn the volume down on anyone and anything that was not serving as nourishment in their lives; and to turn up the volume on those voices that feed their souls.

As we continued our conversation, she told me how much she appreciated my not judging her and for meeting her where she was. I was thrilled that the words that the Lord allowed me to speak, along with the program she was enrolled in, helped to pave the way for the life that was waiting for her.

She is not alone! It is my belief that we all benefit from encouragement. We may or may not be at the place that this woman was, but we all have our own stuff that we are working with. Words have power. We can use them for good or we can choose to use them to hurt, it’s our choice. Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) says, some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Each day we have an opportunity to speak a positive word into someone’s life. I had no idea of the specific value my words had to this woman, but I am so glad that my message was available to her. If we pay attention, our paths will always present someone that can benefit from our words of encouragement and testimony. The question is are we willing to share?

Read more columns by Tanya Wilson, an inspirational speaker based in Charlotte. Find her on Facebook.

Phone call is a reminder of faith.

Learn to Forget and Move on.

Remember Dr. King’s Birthday and Sacrifice.

Ted Williams’ story is a testament of love.