There is no such thing as a self-made man or women, we all need encouragement to be all that God has created us to be, that is to live out the potential that is deep within. All of us have others who have been a part of helping us along the way, be it a parent, friend, co-worker a leader. What you can accomplish and become by yourself is nothing compared with the potential of working with others. And, besides we were created to work together, it brings great joy and contentment to our lives.

I’ve noticed over the years that Lone Rangers are rarely happy people.  Look at what the writer of Ecclesiastics has to say about this topic: “Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken.” Eccl 4:9-12 (NLT)

Going It Alone

Trying to live life as a Lone Ranger will lead to trouble, God did not intend it. One of the wackiest stories I’ve ever read about doing life alone is from and insurance form that was filled out by a brick layer who was injured on the job. Here’s what he wrote:

It would have taken too long to carry all the bricks down by hand, so I decided to put them in a barrel and lower them by a pulley which I had fastened to the top of the building. After tying the rope securely at ground level, I then went up to the top of the building, I fastened the rope around the barrel, loaded it with bricks, and swung it over the sidewalk for the descent. Then I went down to the sidewalk and untied the rope, holding it securely to guide the barrel down slowly. But since I weigh only 140 pounds, the 500 pound load of bricks jerked me from the ground so fast that I didn’t have time to think of letting go of the rope. As I passed between the second and third floors I met the barrel coming down. This accounts for the bruises and the lacerations on my upper body.

I held tightly to the rope until I reached the top where my hand became jammed in the pulley. This accounts for my broken thumb.

At the same time, however, the barrel hit the sidewalk with a bang and the bottom fell out. With the weight of the bricks gone, the barrel weighed only about 40 pounds. Thus my 140 pound body began a swift descent, and I met the empty barrel coming up. This accounts for my broken ankle.

Slowed only slightly, I continued the descent and landed on the pile of bricks. This accounts for my sprained back and broken collar bone.

At this point I lost my presence of mind completely, and I let go of the rope and the empty barrel came crashing down on me. This accounts for my head injuries.

And as for the last question on your insurance form, “What would I do if the same situation rose again?” Please be advised I am finished trying to do the job all by myself.

Encourage By Connecting

While that story is funny to read it proves the point that we all need others to come along side of us and do life together. Seeing this truth both from the brick layer and Solomon (the writer of Ecclesiastics) you need to let this principle change your life by connecting with others. Part of living life as the masterpiece God has created you to be is to connect with others and help them live life as the masterpiece God has created them to be. To connect with others today and encourage them you simply need to look around and become aware of their needs. That’s the starting point to understanding people and the beginning of influence. Influence is the only avenue for making a positive impact in others and for releasing your potential.

 “Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”      2 Cor 13:11 (NLT)

Encourage Someone Today

Encourage someone today by connecting with them and you will discover that as you encourage them you will be encouraged. Make encouragement a part of your Life Palette everyday!