Whale Done My Son. The Incredible Life-Giving Power of Encouragement

We were learning the doxology as a family; the kids warbling voices were cutting in and out trying to chase the tune. The process was cute and a touch painful to the ears. This time though I noticed my young son was remembering the words, singing remarkably on-key, and he didn’t even break down in hysterical laughter at the words “Holy Ghost”.

As we finished I leaned towards him, looked him in the face and said, “Well done! You are becoming quite a singer”.

His face beamed and as we finished he and the rest of the family dispersed.

As I puttered around the house, I heard from an adjacent room as one son proudly exclaimed to the other:

Did you hear? Daddy told me I was a real singer!”

My heart about melted. The sharing was full of such joy and innocent pride. I was immediately hit with the sobering responsibility and wonderful opportunity a parent has to use their words well.

Ruminating on this episode, I recalled an odd little book I’d pulled from my dad’s library many years ago, Whale Done!: The Power of Positive Relationships by Ken Blanchard. I don’t think the book is theologically-grounded and there is likely a good dollop of self-help humanism. The central message of the book focuses not on the nobility, but how effective and productive positive encouragement can be.

Scripture helps fill in the blanks.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Ephesians 4:29 (emphasis mine)

The guard rail to put up along this path is a concern for our words to be genuine.

This “good for building up” is not unfounded, patronizing, feel-good flattery! It is pointing out good things you see. I’ve heard our pastor share that as Christians we are so rarely encouraging one another and commending good works.

That day with my son, I was surprised to see the power of true and encouraging words. With renewed inspiration, I commend you to look for the good, true and beautiful things you see in the lives of others and be generous with your encouragement. This fallen world is a place filled with discouragement. Take the time to speak with the intent to build someone up. And remember…

Words have immense power.

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