Encouragers United Podcast

Day 7: Form a partnership

An Aesop Fable

Once there were two goats. The goats were friends. They played joyfully in the sun. The goats lived in the mountains, on two separate sides of a deep gorge. One day, the two goats walked up to a fallen tree. The tree fell and made a bridge- connecting two sides of the gorge. But the tree was not safe. The tree was small. Even a smaller goat could barely walk on it safely, and these two goats were large goats.

The goats saw that the tree was too small for two large goats, but they did not want to take turns.

“I am not scared. I will walk on the tree first,” said one goat. The other goat wanted to be first and said, “No, stay on your side. I will walk on the tree first!” But they both wanted to walk first. One goat set her foot on the tree. The second goat did too, until they met, head to head in the middle of the sagging branch.

The tree held two goats. It trembled from the heavy goats.  The tree creaked loudly. The goats were nervous, but they would not back up.

In the middle, the two goats met face to face, horn to horn. “Move! You are blocking my way,” said one. “No, you are in the way!” Shouted the other. They were busy yelling when they heard CREEEEKKKKK! The tree cracked. Down the goats fell with the tree-- they were both killed by the fall into the deep gorge.

Yikes.  Do you understand the moral, or the lesson of the story?  Quite obviously, they could have yeilded

Write a letter or sit down to speak with someone of a different culture or race.  Reach out to them and lend your support and a listening ear. You aren't forcing yourself on them-- but Let them know that you are a fan of theirs, and that you want the best for them.  Encourage them by pointing out the gifts and talents that you see in them-- celebrate that you know them.

How could the two of you work together to form a bridge that could be helpful?  I know we as pastors at our church are considering several opportunities to connect and share with other churches.

I'm going to do this personally--  I can't wait to see how God may use your creativity and positivity to change your life and the life of someone you know for the best.  May God bless you in the task he's given us.

That's a wrap on the 7 day Encouragers Journey.  We marched around this fortress 7 times,

Prayer, Listening, Respect, Empathy, breaking barriers, and forging partnerships---and I hope the process has been helpful for you to envision a better future.

If this has been a positive influence on you, would you share it with someone you know?  Feel free to leave a comment and rating on the podcast.  That's a great way to let others know how it has impacted you.  I appreciate you listening, and wish you the very best as you continue your journey as an encourager.

Encouragement

Positive mental attitude

Enthusiasm, Dreamer, Coach, Mentor, Friend

Charlesrgrimes@gmail.com

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