Encouragement

The Unexpected Power of Building Others Up

By: Larry Crabb, Dan B. Allender

Narrated by: John Mayer

According to Drs. Larry Crabb and Dan Allender, encouragement is more than a compliment or a pat on the back. It's a skill that can be mastered by anyone. Crabb and Allender ask: "What must we know in order to fulfill the biblical exhortation to 'encourage one another?'" Encouragement provides the answer.

Part one deals with understanding encouragement, and part two explores the process of encouragement, including such practical how-tos as developing a careful selection of encouraging words; cultivating active listening skills; using biblical fellowship to move beyond superficial smiles and shallow greetings; and recognizing subtle opportunities for encouragement.

Without the encouragement of a caring community, biblical truth taught in church tends to just thicken people's defense layers. But authenticity, freedom, and greater love for God and others are the fruit of encouragement, and evidence of the tremendous power God invests in individuals who practice it.

Narration could be better

Having read Larry Crabb's "Connecting" and a number of other articles by Dan Allender, I thought his would be an excellent resource to add to my library. While the overall information is GOOD, it wasn't as good/helpful as I had hoped. Much of the information shared was a good reminder of some skills/information I've already learned, and the narration was pretty slow (I listened at 1.5x, and I don't often like speeding books up.)

All in all, the message of, "Encourage others as often as possible!" is a good message, and worthy of reflection and practice. Still, if you're new to Larry Crabb's work, I'd recommend starting with "Connecting". Maybe consider reading it instead of going with the audiobook.

Conclusion: Encouragement is a GOOD read, with a timely message. It wasn't a waste of a purchase. I'll likely listen to it again. But it didn't grab me as much as Connecting.

An encouraging book to encourage Christians

Would you listen to Encouragement again? Why?

I not only listened to this book a second time, but I purchased a hard copy to read again and again. As an Audible book, it is read very well, and allows the listener to really get into the meat of the material. Very well done.

What did you like best about this story?

Every person struggles with the profound longing to be loved, listened to, and accepted, as weak and messed up as we are. This book knows our hearts and understands our struggle. But far from pandering, it tells us how we are to view helping others in their struggle through life, to show them love, to come along side and spur them on to godliness in a relational way.

What does John H. Mayer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I have listened to authors read their own books, and can tell that they know the story. I have heard Larry Crabb speak, though not narrating his own books. And, I have heard others narrate Dr. Crabb's books. John Mayer enters into the book, as if it were his own. I often forget that he is not the author, and feel like Dr. Crabb himself is telling the story. I was engaged from beginning to end.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I cannot see a movie based on this book. This is about entering into another person's life, and seeing them grow in grace.

Any additional comments?

This book truly is an encouragement. Few books I say are a must read for Christians of any stripe. But this book is a must for every Christian no matter their background.

good read with thoughful teaching

good read with thoughtful teaching and strategies. There's some good suggestions for becoming a good encouraging person but definitely not quick fixes. It dragged a little bit for me but I'm really glad I read it still. and it starts slow.

The last chapter was the best

Defiantly encouraged! Loved the last chapter and especially the last 5 mins. So will be reading this one again! Blessed!

Hope

Encouragement brings hope to those who are discouraged and depressed. It also helps boost the morale for those of us who are doing well, but need some encouragement for day-to-day.