In March 2020, the world as we knew it was changed indelibly by the global spread of the COVID-19 virus. Schools and businesses were closed. The roads were empty. Families spent more time together as a result of quarantine than they ever had. New words entered our lexicon, “social distancing,” “virtual classroom,” “Blurs day” (an unspecified day because of lock down’s disorientating effect on time), “lockdown.” And in the midst of this, tragedy and bad luck hit close to home for millions. People lost their jobs, and loved ones were dying as a result of the pandemic. Churches were closed and had to find new ways of ministering to their communities that were having a difficult time managing all the change. As if the virus wasn’t enough, we saw an extended period of social and political upheaval. The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and others sent protestors into the streets. The 2020 presidential election polarized the nation like nothing we’ve seen in recent memory. I f we ever needed encouragement, it sure is now! This book was inspired by a sermon series I preached at my church, Bridgeway Community Church, exactly two years after the world shut down. I preached at so many funerals, most of them via Zoom, and my clergy team met with so many families in crisis. It was clear that people needed a word of encouragement when they felt like the gloom of our current situation was overwhelming. What does encouragement look like? What happens when you’re the one who needs to be encouraged and there’s nobody around to lift you up? What is it that we should avoid when trying to encourage others? In this small book, I outline what biblical encouragement is and how to encourage not only those around you, but yourself as well. My prayer is that you will read this book perhaps multiple times, share it with those you know who could use it, and put its principles into practice. Encouragement feeds the mind, body, and soul. In a world starved of uplifting messages, let’s be a bright and shining light of hope and encouragement!