Be an Encouragement Today — Even When You're Discouraged

 

"Choosing to Lift Others, Even When Your Own Heart Feels Heavy"

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Out here in Southeast Alaska, the mountains rise like giants, the ocean never stops moving, and the rain sometimes feels endless. It’s easy to look around at this wild, rugged place and be reminded how small we really are. And some days, that smallness weighs heavy. Maybe today is one of those days for you. It is for me.

But even on the hard days — maybe especially on the hard days — we are called to lift each other up. To encourage. To remind someone else that they aren’t alone in the struggle.

How Can You Encourage When You Feel Empty?

Let me be real for a moment. It’s hard to pour from an empty cup. But here’s what I’ve learned from growing up in this tight-knit Alaska Native community, from watching storms roll in over Metlakatla, from flying through rough skies — encouragement isn’t always about having all the answers. Sometimes it’s just showing up.

• Send that text. Even if you don’t feel chipper or full of wisdom. Just a simple “Hey, I was thinking of you.”

• Share a Psalm. One that reminds you of God’s help and protection. Psalm 46 is one I lean on often:
  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

• Listen. You don’t need to fix it. You just need to be present, like the steady sound of waves on the shore.

• Offer a small act of kindness. In our town, that might be helping unload groceries off the ferry or just sitting with someone at the dock as the fog rolls in.

The Tug on Your Heart Means Something

Maybe you’re feeling discouraged, worn thin, waiting for answers that seem slow to come. But still — that tug on your heart to encourage someone else? That’s real. And sometimes, lifting someone else up is exactly what helps lighten your own load.

You never know — your words or small action might be the shelter someone else is praying for.

Final Thoughts

The world can feel heavy. But even in the gray skies and quiet, we can be the light for each other. You don’t have to be perfect, or overflowing with energy — just willing. Be an encouragement today.

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What about you?
Have you had someone encourage you when you were struggling? How did it help? I'd love to hear your story — drop a comment below or share it on the My Alaska Blog Facebook page.