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SILVER BOXES: The Gift of Encouragement by Florence
Littauer
(A Book Review by Virginia H. Lane) What are "silver boxes" as identified in Florence Littauer's book Silver Boxes? When I first picked up this little book, I didn't see it as a candidate for a Review. I didn't possibly think I could explain the meaning of the term "silver boxes." But as I read, I perceived this verbiage as a great term for "Words of Encouragement" and want to share some of the thoughts I had as I read and the effect silver boxes have had on my life. I wish to present this review as coming directly from my heart to yours. Are you an "encourager" or do you feel that this is NOT your gifting from God. That may be; however, Silver boxes: The Gift of Encouragement is a book for all people containing information that can be taken to heart and put into practice in everyday life. Think how many times you talk to other people. As most of us aren't hermits, surely all of us can use pointers on making a positive impact on others by giving the gift of encouragement. Littauer presents words as kind/nice/appreciative/complimentary, etc. gifts (with silver wrapping and a bow on top) to bestow on others. I have to admit that I often "think" a compliment but don't ever get around to saying it. "Saying" can be done by the spoken or the written word. It's easy to forget something that could be perceived as being casually said. But the written word can be read over and over again. Is it so hard to take pen to paper? A greeting card can sometimes say what the sender cannot express. Littauer says "A gift, word, or card doesn't need to be expensive; it just needs to be encouraging and appropriate and say, "I love you because . . ." About ten years ago, an acquaintance offered to give me a book. After pulling it out of her bookcase, she insisted on writing a "To Virginia" note on the flyleaf. This was certainly unnecessary--and as I've come to know how much she agonizes over having to write anything out of her own head, I treasure the love she had for me that she would do that. Just as a child treasures a gold star on his homework paper, Words can be treasured. I once overheard my father tell my mother something complimentary about my ability to meet people. I've held that comment in my heart for over 40 years and pull it out whenever I have difficulty relating to someone new. It gives me the courage to try again. I received a "Silver Box" just yesterday. Some time ago, I received a brief note from an ex-employee who is on our BBtJ mailing list. I wrote asking if I could use her comments in our newsletter's "Feedback from our Readers" section. Her response was an enthusiastic yes with more wonderful comments about how I had been such inspiration to her over the years and especially during a lengthy illness. My jaw dropped--I felt humbled and awed. All I can say is Praise the Lord that she received good things from our relationship. We like to think that all gifts are good--that they bless the receiver. Even if not spoken directly to someone or even about that person, words can have lasting affect. My mother told me a story to back this up. When she was a newlywed, she expressed admiration of someone she'd just met to her mother-in-law. Grandmother replied "you know she smokes." Even though grandmother herself eventually became friends with this woman, my mother said that it colored her own opinion negatively. This event affected not only my mother but obviously me as it is something I've not forgotten. I wonder how many negative "gifts" I've spoken that haven't been forgotten. I know I've said "Brown-paper wrapped gifts" more than a few times. Littauer suggests that we have a frank discussion with God, asking to have revealed to us by the Holy Spirit the effect words have had on our lives. We are to question both if we have said negative words to others--or if we are holding in our hearts, the hurts and results of negative things that have been said to and about us. When these things are brought to mind, we should repent and/or forgive. Experts say that holding on to hurts is only going to hurt us. God said that we are to forgive others if we want Him to forgive us. (Matthew 6:14-15) Littauer's book is a simple text filled with stories to which probably most of us can relate. It speaks to the heart and makes one think. Silver Boxes: The Gift of Encouragement is a great text for learning both how to give and receive words of encouragement. This book has made me reconsider a few words that were about to come out of my mouth. It has made me question some of my thought processes. I believe that what is in the heart is what comes out of the mouth. Surely, I'd rather that the words coming out of my mouth were so positive that they will be treasured rather than needing to be forgiven. I pray to God that my heart be cleansed of negativity and that I will have so much Joy that I will be indeed giving out many sincere Silver Boxes . On the inside cover: "Encourage one another...," says the Scriptures. And all around us are people who need encouragement -- people who hurt and need help. Florence Littauer tells us how to recognize and relate to these people and offers a workable formula for exercising the gift of encouragement. From first page to last her new book is filled with the wit, wisdom, and warmth her readers have come to expect. Touching stories and humorous anecdotes people the pages of Silver Boxes. In this book she shows readers how to
Toy Boxes (for children)Florence Littauer is well-known across America as the author of nine best-selling books, and as the founder of CLASS, an organization of Christian Leaders and Speakers Seminars. her extensive list of awards and honors include the Certified Professional designation from the National Speakers Association. In the past decade she has traveled internationally as a Christian speaker who has the unique ability to exhort, encourage, and entertain all at the same time. |
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