Speaking Life: A Real-Life Example

This week in our 84Days Series we are focusing on the power of speaking life to those in our circle of influence. As I was listening to the latest episode of Dr. Jocker’s podcast, I unexpectedly came across a perfect example of the difference speaking life can make and I wanted to share it with you.

Dr. Jockers is interviewing Dr. Josh Axe. Dr. Axe shares that in high school he did not do well and even considered himself “not smart”. While he was diagnosed with ADHD, one big reason for his negative outlook was because of an encounter with his English teacher.

His English teacher asked him to stay after class one day. He had done poorly on a recent test and she asked him what he intended to do after graduation. He told her he wanted to be a doctor – she laughed and told him that was not likely since his grades were not good. This short conversation affected the rest of his school career.

After graduating – barely – he went to a community college to get a few additional credits so he could attend a university he was interested in. His first class? English 101. When they were assigned to write a paper, he committed to try his hardest. After turning it in, the English teacher asked him to stay after class. This was familiar and he figured he would hear once again that he was not good enough. The teacher asked what his major was – he replied that he didn’t know. To his surprise, she suggested that he major in journalism. She felt he was a talented writer and he had received the highest grade in the class.

This propelled Dr. Axe into an entirely new mindset. He says is was like a mind-transplant. He began to thrive in education and has since become a doctor, written multiple books, been a guest on television, among other accomplishments. What changed?

Someone spoke life into him and it changed the course of his future. Someone believed in him and took time to encourage him. The college professor did not know the impact her words would have but they were life-changing.

Yours can be, too.

When we choose to speak encouraging words, we may change someone’s life. It’s possible we will never see the ultimate effect, but the difference can still be made – if we’re willing to take time to speak them. So, this week speak life. Be an encourager. Be sincere, be truthful – yes, but choose to invest in those around you.

Let God use you to bless others.