Chapter Six: The Gift of Encouragement

Featured Artwork

Title: Rooted In Light

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Artist: Pamela SHE’REE Jackson

Glory to the Name of Jesus

Written by Pamela SHE'REE Jackson

Performed by SHE'REE Gospel

Every act of genuine encouragement begins with hope.

For me, that hope has always been rooted in my faith in Jesus Christ. "Glory to the Name of Jesus" is a song of gratitude and worship, reminding us that God's faithfulness gives us the strength to encourage others through every season of life.

When we lift others up, we reflect the love and grace that have first been shown to us. That is the heart behind both this chapter and this song.

Have you ever noticed how a few kind words can change someone’s entire day?

I’ve thought about that a lot over the years.

As an artist, people often see the finished painting hanging on a wall. They admire the colors, the texture, or the subject. What they don’t always see is the heart behind the brush.

For me, creating has never been only about making something beautiful.

It’s about making someone feel seen.

Throughout my life, I’ve been blessed by people who encouraged me when I needed it most. My parents believed in me long before I believed in myself. Friends spoke life into my dreams. Teachers shared their knowledge. Strangers offered unexpected kindness.

Every one of them left a brushstroke on my heart.

Their encouragement became part of who I am.

That’s one of the reasons I love creating art and writing songs. You never really know where your work will end up or whose life it may touch. A painting may hang in someone’s home for decades. A song may find someone during one of the hardest seasons of their life. A simple story may remind a reader that they are not alone.

We often underestimate the power of encouragement.

Sometimes all a person needs is for someone to believe in them.

To tell them, “You can do this.”

To remind them, “You matter.”

To let them know they are loved.

If my paintings, my music, or these journal pages encourage even one person to keep going, then I believe I’ve accomplished something far greater than creating art.

The world has enough critics.

It can always use another encourager.

So today, I hope you’ll take a moment to encourage someone.

A phone call.

A handwritten note.

A hug.

A prayer.

A few sincere words may become something they remember for the rest of their life.

Thank you for spending a little time in my world.

Keep telling your story.

— SHE’REE