麻豆社

From Father Brian D鈥橝rcy, a Catholic Passionist priest:

An encouraging word works wonders for the morale. Why is it that we are reluctant to tell people when they do well, but ready to condemn them if they fail?

Bob Danzig started out life as an office boy at an American newspaper and ended up CEO of the big Newspaper group. He credits his success to words of encouragement spoken to him at a crucial time in his life by two caring individuals.

Bob spent his childhood moving around five different foster homes. He desperately needed to feel loved. But each time he was rejected. At the age of nine he was given a new social worker to help him through his difficulties. At the end of their first meeting she told him, 鈥淏obby, I want you to always remember these words: You are worthwhile.鈥� She repeated those same words at the end of every meeting they had. In time Bob Danzig began to believe it.

When he graduated from High School he got a job in a newspaper, as a runner - the bottom rung of the ladder.聽 He worked there for six months before his superior called him into her office. He was sure he would be sacked. Instead she said, 鈥淚鈥檝e been observing you young man and I believe you are full of promise.鈥�

That was all he needed. He worked hard to fulfil the confidence she had in him. In time he rose to the very top of the newspaper industry and he now donates money to foster children who, like himself, got a difficult start in life. He does it because he knows that the right word at the right time changed his life.

As Proverbs remind us: 鈥淎n encouraging word is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.鈥� (25-21)

Louis Pasteur put it well when he said, 鈥淲hen I see a child I鈥檓 inspired by two sentiments: tenderness for what he is and respect for what he may become.鈥�

May somebody be kind enough to help you with a helpful word today and may you be generous enough to do the same.聽