The power of Praise

Praise... something we can all do. It doesn't cost us any $ to give somebody praise. It won't take a lot of time either, but it will make that person's day a happier one knowing that they are appreciated.

As quoted from the prologue of "I No Stupid Too", "When was the last time you praised somebody?" When you do recall that occasion, try to remember what the response from the person whom you praised was? We don't usually see anger, frustration, or irritation on their faces (unless it was done at the wrong place and wrong time). Instead, we see the person smiling, beaming, or just plain simply shy because they didn't expect it.

The average person does not grow up in an environment filled with praises. No, we were brought up in a nit-picking envrionment instead. Everything that we do, somebody is there to find the tiniest mistakes or problems, and criticize on them instead. We find it easier to criticize what somebody did not do, or did not achieve.

Have you ever improved in your grades by 5 marks, but gotten criticism because you did not improve significantly? Have you ever done something you felt was good, but gotten criticism because it was not "good enough" by someone else's standards Haven't we gone all out of the way to do something for someone, then find that no due acknowledgement was given?

We often hear the term "Praise God", and sometimes we struggle what to Praise God for. Why? Because of the circumstances and situations we are in? Sometimes we let the fact that "what is happening is more serious, and I don't have the time to think about God" creep into our minds. But what can be bigger than God? In fact, did it ever occur to you that in bad circumstances when we acknowledge that there is nothing bigger than God, and praise Him for the situation, it almost always turns better instantly?

The NIV Bible has 351 occurrences of the word "Praise" and 59 occurrences of the word "Encourage". God praised Jesus "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." on His baptism. Is this not enough for us to see how important praise is?

Why don't we all do this for a month and see if there is any improvement in the people around us -- Give somebody around you praise for what little things that you notice that they did, or improvement that we notice.

Praise somebody today! Make their day! I appreciate you (yes you!) for taking the time to read my lengthy posts, and hope that they will mean something to you. Some people have told me that my posts are too long, but that's the way I write. :)