What is something someone has said to you that encouraged you?

On a long road trip my family and I stopped at a rest stop. I had really been craving something sweet and had asked my mom to get something after our bathroom break. I was washing my hands and I glanced in the mirror–probably disliking the reflection–when I heard a stranger say, “You’re beautiful.” That instantly warmed my heart. Something about the way she said it felt so genuine. My face lit up-and it stayed that way for awhile. I wonder if she knows the power her words had on me, and how I carry that memory with me years after I experienced it. I got in the car feeling so warm, as if I had just been hugged. I realized that I no longer was craving ice cream (a real rarity for me)-and the reason was because I was already full.

I wanted to ask people the question “what is something that someone has said to you that has encouraged you?”... and these are the responses I received :)

“You are an encouragement to me.”

“When people thank me for my hard work and sacrifice-when it is not often recognized.”

“When you guys tell me I’m gonna be a great mom, it’s really encouraging and sweet.”

“That I’m encouraging to them. And also I show and have confidence (which half the time is fake but you have to fake it till you make it).”

“A bad day does not equal a bad life.”

“Someone, you actually, told me that you could see God’s hand in my life and that was really encouraging.”

“It's all in God's hands. It's simple and basic, but in so many ways we often overlook it. When I'm getting worked up or frustrated about something and feel like I just really messed something up. Knowing that God has it all in His hands and there is nothing I can do to mess up His plans is really encouraging.”

“I was encouraged when my professor responded well to some of my writing, because I hate writing.”

“I hope you know how proud I am of you, and how much I love you.”

"’You got this’ and ‘I believe in you.’ Those are two very simple, but it works.”

In asking one friend this question not only did she answer the question, but she spilled out an encouragement to others. So beautiful, and too true to not share:

“I also just want to say something encouraging, if you don't mind. Life is tough, and it won't get any easier. That's not something demeaning but just a fact. Even so God never gives challenges that we can't handle, so if u feel like life is just too much right now, just step back and look at what has been presented. Maybe there are some things you are doing that aren't yours to handle or maybe it actually isn't a lot and you're just overthinking. Anyways, all that to say. Don't give up. Keep going knowing that God is in control!”

I'm still looking forward to hearing back from some of those I asked, and, when I do, I will add them here. I would love to hear from you, too. Please feel free to share in the comments below!