One day, well into her adult years, Florence Littauer’s dad invited her into a tiny back room of the little store he had operated for decades. Against one wall was an upright piano. Her dad reached behind it and pulled an old cigar box from its hiding place.
Inside were articles he had published in the local paper. Florence was surprised. She had no idea her father was a writer. He’d never discovered his true potential because no one had ever encouraged him.
He told Florence, “Your mother always said, ‘You don’t have an education. You shouldn’t even try to write. What if you try, and it’s not any good? We’ll all be humiliated.’”
From then on, he only wrote an occasional editorial then anxiously awaited each new edition of the local paper in the hopes that he’d see his writing in print. When something got published, he’d cut it out, put it in the little cigar box, and return it to its hiding place.
After his death, Florence considered that little box a symbol of broken dreams – things that might have been if only someone had encouraged him.
That’s why she now describes encouragement as a present you give with words. Encouragement can strengthen our marriages, improve our parenting, and form the bonds of intimacy that helps a family thrive.
On our broadcast today, titled “Words of Kindness, Source of Healing,” we’re airing a recorded message by Florence Littauer that will help you encourage the people you love to discover their true potential.
I hope you’ll join us on your local radio station, online, or on our free phone app. You can find Florence’s book “Silver Boxes: The Gift of Encouragement” and other helpful resources in our online bookstore.
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