Harold Keller / L’Observateur / October 25, 1999

I heard it said, and firmly believe, that encouragement is awesome. It hasthe capacity to lift a man’s, or woman’s, shoulders, to spark the flicker of a smile on the face of a discouraged child, to breathe fresh fire into the fading embers of a smoldering dream, to actually change the course of another human being’s day, week or life.

Just this week, as I was hurriedly leaving my friend, Keith Gillies’ office, a young man walking next to the building yelled, “Mr. Keller!” I didn’trecognize him, but smiled and said, “How are you doing, son?” “I’m doing good,” was his reply.

As he approached me, I extended my hand and said, “Give me a hug. Youreally doing OK?” I asked. “Yes, sir. It’s because of you I’ll be startingcollege in January.” Puzzled, I asked, “Because of me, you’re going tocollege?” (Keep in mind I didn’t recognize the young man.) “Yes, sir,” hesaid. “I’ll never forget what you told me.””What did I tell you and when did I say it?” I asked. He continued, “When Iwas at the St. James Correctional Center, you told me that God had givenme a special gift and if I didn’t use it, I’d lose it. You also said that mostpeople never use the talents that God has blessed them with and, one day, they will have to answer to Him for not doing so.” (By this time, I hadforgotten why I was in a hurry.)Be assured that I didn’t remember telling that young man what he said I told him. I was reminded that God works through people and uses us whenwe least expect it.

“What’s your name?” I asked. “Byron Wallace,” he answered. “Did yougraduate from East St. John?” was my next question. “No, sir. I graduatedfrom St. James High School,” he replied. “How long have you been out ofthe St. James Correctional Center?” I asked. “Well, when I left there, Iwas sent to Monroe to the Swanson Correctional Center for Youth and stayed there for nine months.”As we were about to part, he said, “I just wanted to thank you for your encouragement.” “Son,” I said, “I want to thank you for making my day.”It was good to be reminded that God used me in spite of myself. He usedme to encourage a young man who was only looking to be loved and encouraged.

May I suggest to all the readers of this article that you make a commitment to encourage someone today. A good place to start would bewith our own families.

Harold Keller is a regular columnist for L’Observateur.

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