Therefore Encourage one another…

Over twelve years ago, I had a ” God” sized (and I believe God-given) idea to open a “coffee shop / music studio.” The dream stayed in the recesses of my mind for the most part, and in a journal I kept where I captured my “random” thoughts of programs and events that might someday happen in the studio. Along the way, I shared my dream with just a few of my closest confidantes, one of whom introduced me to author Erwin MacManaus, in the book, “Seizing Your Divine Moment”, and Mark Batterson, “In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day”. Both books literally transformed my thinking and my life and I literally have read every single book both of those author’s have written.

Several years ago I had the privilege to worship with Erwin MacManus at his church Mosaic, in Los Angeles, and he signed his book, Warriors. I follow him on Instagram. Yesterday, he posted this…

As I read his post, I was struck by several things… first, he is human, and experienced the same emotions that I experience. Sometimes, I think we consider people like authors and pastors (especially “famous” ones) to be exempt from feelings like discouragement. It is such an encouragement to me, though, that Erwin is willing to share his own vulnerability.

Second, he been criticized for what he is doing. As much as I would love to live in a world where people didn’t criticize one another, it seems, especially this year, people are more critical than ever before.

“Still there is that 1% that feels they must let me know that what I am doing is wrong”…. as much as I want everyone to like me and love what I do, that is not a reality… for me… or even Erwin MacManus, as blessed as he is. It is true that not everyone will share my vision. Some will come and others will go. This is true in my regular career as well as my studio. I must learn to accept that what I do may not be for everyone, and there will be those who walk away.

“It’s terrifying to put yourself out”. As I write this blog, I have shared my most vulnerable moments… it is indeed terrifying putting yourself out there. “If I can set one artist free to create with courage, then it will be worth it”

In the end, his post addresses the negativity, and conveys that he is going to continue to live his faith out loud, and continue to work to inspire others to become all they can become. I admire his strength.. I admire his conviction.

Oh, did I mention he is fighting cancer? Just before his book, The Last Arrow, was published, he was diagnosed. He has not let that slow his mission or his purpose.

We all have battles, including thoughts we brought about by other people. We must continue to encourage one another to hold to our convictions and keep pushing through our purpose, even when the hate comes, even when people quit us, even when we’re not sure we’re on the right path… we must let others know it’s okay to be human and need to be encouraged… and we must continue to encourage one another…to push others to be their best.

I will keep pushing, myself and others, to be the best that they can possibly be. I will do my best to continually strive to connect deeply with people, to help them see what’s possible beyond what is… I will try to overcome discouragement with hope, continue to try to encourage those who need it.

Be blessed today, my friends.

SB