Quote

We should seize every opportunity to give encouragement. Encouragement is oxygen to the soul.

George M. Adams

Real Life

Israel Dagg is one of the most capped outside backs in All Black history, playing 66 games for the national side. Dagg recently shared a story about a tough time in his career when an encouraging word from a senior player made all the difference.

Midway through the 2014 season, when Dagg was a regular starter for the both the Canterbury Crusaders and the All Blacks, he was called to a meeting with the Crusaders’ coach to be told he was dropped for the next game. He was gutted. To be dropped from the starting line-up was a major blow. Feeling low, Dagg decided to go fishing and while out there, he received a text. The text was from All Black captain and team mate, Richie McCaw. His text was an encouragement to Dagg to keep his head up, keep training hard and to let Dagg know that he was behind him. Dagg says that at the time he was not playing well, his confidence was low and he felt like he was all alone. To receive a text like that from such a legend in the game meant a great deal to Dagg and he says that it is something he will always remember.

When we know people around us are going through a hard time, sometimes we can feel for them but not do anything about it. It is so important that we take a moment to reach out to them. Whether it is a quick word after training or a text sent when we think about them, those few words can turn someone’s outlook around. That one text to Dagg still meant the world to him a decade later.

The bible says we should bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), that when we see someone in a hard place, we should share their load, thereby demonstrating God’s love and compassion. Those small acts of love can have a huge impact on how someone journeys through those hard places.

Bible Verse

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Prayer

Lord thank You for the times when someone has reached out and encouraged me. Please help me to see when someone around me is having a tough time and to respond with love.

Author: Sarah Auld   |   Content Editor: Phil Pawley