About the Author

At (in)courage, we empower women to be like Jesus. Our writers share what’s going on in their life and how God’s right in the middle of it. They bring their joys & struggles so that you can feel less alone and be empowered by the hope Jesus gives.

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(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. God sent me a friend like that. Her name is Judy and she has embodied just that same listening, weekly consistent presence for me for nearly 3 years now. She has made such a difference in my life. Jesus with skin on!!!

  2. The “ripple effect” of Esther’s loving and caring interaction in your life carries on in your ministry of (in)courage and in the lives of your family and friends, Becky!

  3. Still working full time with a busy busy calendar outside my paying job, I am so very thankful for the ability to text. When I can’t lean in face to face I can text “What’s on your heart today? Biggest concern? Greatest anticipated joy?”. I then can text back my prayer for them. A college freshman said it freaked him out the first time I texted him a prayer but it’s now one of his favorite exchanges with me. He feels seen & supported through my conversations with God about his heart’s desires. So thankful for texting kindnesses. Blessings to all the Esthers!

    • Love this. “Kindness is love in action.” Love Dare challenge. What a wonderful testimony. I am writing down those questions to ask precious friends, is it ok to share? I will credit you. ✨

      1 John 4:7, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

      • Go for it Tanya! No credit necessary! Another tip I’ve learned is to be sensitive to which question to ask first. Some folks are in a spiral with their hurts to ask about an anticipated joy first refocuses them and adds the energy to deal with the hurts more clearly & effectively. Asking for both the good & the bad reinforces the “here for the long haul no matter what” encouragement.

  4. Becky, this is very moving. I want to be there this way for someone. I will pray the Lord points out this friend to me.

  5. Love this. “Kindness is love in action.” Love Dare challenge. What a wonderful testimony. Thanks for spurring us on. ✨

    1 John 4:7, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”

  6. What a most beautiful testimony, and the beautiful tapestry of words to relay your story! I am going to print and reread! May kindness become a beautiful tapestry testimony for all of us to weave for others! Blessing to your beautiful heart and the kindness that you share with us! Such beautiful testimonies gives us light in the darkness that this current world threatens us with.

  7. Thank you for sharing your personal experience with your friend, Esther. As I’ve aged, I’ve become a bit of a loner, a hermit. Deep inside, I long for the gift of hospitality and social skills. We have an amazing group of women at my church. They are caring, giving, and many give of themselves without a second thought. I will pray for the Holy Spirit to fill me with the ability to be an Esther for others.

  8. Dear Becky
    Thank you for sharing. I have tried to be a crusader for kindness realising ss you say how it can have a ripple effect. When a was a school counsellor I used to go into classrooms and talk of this and give them a kindness pledge book mark. Your story will touch at the core of people…oh for a kinder world!! I have received it even from the most unexpected places and its forever etched in my heart . So keep writing on this amazing fruit if the Spirit as it helps us reflect Christ. Blessings to you

  9. Becky,

    My pastor’s wife is that kind of friend. When I got my new job in ICU Covid unit at hospital she started texting me weekly prayers on Friday (my day off with hubby). She still does that even though she & hubby are retired. She asks about anything I’m going through. The ripple effect has impacted me such that I have a few friends that I call or text & check on. One day I called a friend I haven’t seen in a while & she talked about 2 hrs. I just listened to her ramble on about her old job & life with hubby-she is a widow. The next day at church she told another friend how that made her feel loved, wanted & cared for. It is the simple things & acts in life that make the biggest impact on someone’s life.

    Blessings 🙂

  10. This really touched my heart. I have tried to stay close and by different friends through thick and thin, hard and good times, get in real life with them, come along side. I find it hard to find friends who are willing to do that too. Very few are willing to be there in hard times…or listen to the depth of heartache or pain.
    I have come to know Jesus is there… all the time, in the good, bad and the ugly,HE SEES ME… for that I am eternally grateful!!