No one steps onto the battlefield hoping for despair—they step forward believing they can create something better.

Why do we so quickly criticize the one who dares to try...especially when they may risk falling short of their own goal in the process?

Why not celebrate the attempt and honor the courage it took to begin? After all, the intention was true, admirable, and brave. The effort was fueled by enthusiasm and hope…sparked by a desire to improve lives around them.

No one steps onto the battlefield hoping for despair, an undesired result or a dismal failure—they step forward believing they can create something better.

So instead of criticism… encourage.

Encourage:

• The child who smooths every wrinkle on a carefully made bed. Don’t let an adult’s sharp eye for imperfections steal the joy of their effort.
  
  
• The student wrestling with words they’ve never seen before. Don’t let a small correction overshadow the praise they need to hear: “You always work so hard.”
  
  
• The young employee balancing life for the first time while giving their best at work. Don’t let numbers, spreadsheets, or pressures crush the excitement they bring each morning.
  
  
• The veteran team member who has shown up faithfully for years. Don’t let their consistency at work blind you to the tremendous value of their steady presence.

• The young athlete who's worked every day for 3 years to get a chance to play a few minutes. Don't let the angle of their pass route deflect you from showing appreciation for the amount of time, effort, and energy that's being spent in each practice.
  
  
• The employer who risks everything to chase a dream, often at personal cost, so others might benefit. Don’t let your unmet expectations smother the fire that keeps them moving forward.
  
  

The world has no shortage of critics. What it desperately needs are people willing to encourage.

And after all, when do people need to be loved the most?

When they've stopped believing in themselves.

Choose to encourage. Always.

We want you to find courage at Lone Oak. Through the people, the culture, the unique environment. We look forward to encouraging you one day in the future.

- Brian