…can make all the difference in the world! I learned this from a Senior Leader, co-worker, and friend, Tim Bycroft, Lead Pastor of North Point Church in Winthrop Harbor, IL. Sometimes all that it takes are 4 simple words to unlock a world of potential that’s bottled up inside an individual.
It’s the words of a Varsity coach to a Freshman swimmer, “I.C.N.U. the potential to be the Captain of the Varsity Swim Team within the next two years!” It’s the words of a choir director to a starry-eyed alto, “I know that you have big dreams…high aspirations…and I.C.N.U. the drive and determination it takes to make those dreams a reality.” It’s the words of teacher to a struggling student, “I.C.N.U. the the intelligence to really grasp this concept, and once you do, the sky is the limit!” And it’s It’s the words of a parent to their child, “Alex, I see in you the heart of a real leader…a difference maker…and I believe in you.”
It was these very words, more or less, spoken from my step-father, that unlocked in me the drive and determination to give my all to whatever I put my hand to. It was these very words, more or less, offered to me from Dennis Corley, the Senior Pastor under whom I served in my first full-time ministry position, that freed me up to take chances and dream on the edge. It’s these very words that I strive to offer to my children, hoping to encourage and unlock their God-given potential.
It’s no secret that words have power, the power to build up AND the power to tear down. In the same way that those four little words have the potential of unlocking goodness, they can also be wielded to bring about great harm. Consider the effect that these words might bring about: I.C.N.U…
- …a great lack of potential.
- …a person that fails to follow-through.
- …a slacker.
- …someone that’s never going to amount to anything.
Exercise caution with your words…especially if they tend to be harsh. Be one that is about building others up rather than tearing them down, and remember, what comes out of your mouth reveals what’s in your heart.
SO, WHAT’S IN YOUR HEART?
I SEE IN YOU THE POTENTIAL TO TRANSFORM OTHERS WITH THE GENEROSITY OF YOUR WORDS!
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