Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Encouragement


Look up.

Banish discouragement from your heart as best you can, and if trouble comes, never let it depress or hinder you for long. At the least, bear it bravely if you cannot bear it cheerfully. Even if you are reluctant to bear it, and feel indignant, yet control yourself, and let no rash words escape you that may harm Christ's little ones. The violence of your feelings will soon subside, and grace return to heal your inner pain. I live, (Isa 49:18) says the Lord, "ready to help and comfort you more than ever, if you will trust Me and call on Me with devotion.

--from The Imitation of Christ
Thomas a Kempis

2 comments:

Cathy Adamkiewicz said...

Lately my greatest discouragements have come from other discouraged Christians!
We must really strive to encourage one another and live with JOYFUL spirits, despite the circumstances that may surround us.

The Ironic Catholic said...

Cathy, isn't it the truth? How can we be more joyful and build up each other? We have the best news on earth--God loves us and saves us. Joy is our birthright!