Have you ever thought, “I wonder if I would be good at….” or “ I wish I had tried to….” Listening to the cry of our hearts and being all that we desire, is often difficult if we are required to completely self-motivate.
I had a drama teacher in high school, Mr. Earl Byers, who taught me, through his example, the importance of empowering others. Like many of my classmates, I took an introductory drama class my freshman year because it sounded fun and fulfilled part of the Fine Arts requirement. To this day, it is one of the classes I can recall many moments from and still count some of my classmates as friends. This I know: besides just a few in the class, none of us were “gifted” actors. However, that Mr. Byers could get us to do the craziest things on improv day and he knew how to make us believe that no matter how small, our contribution meant everything to the production.
Because of that class, I took part in numerous musicals and plays throughout my high school years. Most of my roles were small but Mr. Byers would take the time to coach me, individually at times, to get the reaction he was looking for or make me take my little part more seriously. One time, he let me order an extra costume, even though my part did not really require numerous costume changes. I now realize, this was his way of bringing out the best in each student. My favorite memory, was when he awarded me the lead in a play when I had not officially tried out for it. That production ended up being selected for some prestigious awards and I got to experience performing in competitions and on stage at the Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles. I count those experiences as priceless. I saw on Facebook the other day, another student in my graduating class had dinner with Mr. Byers last week. In her post, she said she cried when she left him because she realized what an impact this man had on her life. I get it! It is powerful when a person who you respect, believes in you. Powerful.
As I parent my two high school aged girls and I counsel adolescent girls in my practice, I am struck at the importance of these formative years. As we fill out college applications and decide what accomplishments to share with prospective admissions offices, I am grateful for the teachers, youth group leaders and mentors in my children’s lives, who took time to draw out the best in them. Those of us who parent, teach, mentor or live down the street from emerging teens, can offer the gift of empowerment by calling to their attention, the importance of the role they play, in their homes, their school, their teams, and their groups of friends. We can notice those at the back of the room, those who speak up a little less or those who have accomplished more than they are mature enough to handle. We can praise them, critique them and empower them to take seriously every role that life requires of them.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to encourage one another and build each other up. Healthy people want the people in their life to feel supported, loved and valued. Encouragers give feedback and communicate when they observe glimpses of talent or determination that is worth fostering. People who want to leave a legacy do not care if the person they are interacting with seems confident or downtrodden because even those that appear to have it all together have untapped potential. And truly, those who want to impact the world around them, know that it is often one smile, one word to acknowledge the efforts of an individual, or a real hug that brings hope to someone who is suffering.
Be an encourager. Leave a legacy.