The quote above reminds us that we really do matter, and being our best gives glory to God. I first heard this when it was quoted in the wonderful film Akeelah and the Bee. If you didn't catch this movie a few months ago in theaters, it's now out in DVD.

Here's a great team building exercise: rent the movie, provide some hospitality to those you serve beside, and have them over to watch it with you.

It may not sound that fascinating—it's about, well, the national spelling bee. When I took my 12-year-old and her girlfriends to see it in the theater, they were like, "Mrs. Kent, we're seeing a movie about spelling? Umm, really?" But after the movie, all of us were raving about it.

It's actually a story about how your life can change when you believe in yourself, and when other people believe in you, too. It's about how a caring teacher can change a life—which I hope will inspire and encourage all of you. What you are doing really does matter, so let your light shine!

Copyright © 2006 Promiseland.

Read more from 'Encouraging Words'

Words Kids Need to Hear To Help Them Be Who God Made Them to Be by David Staal If you could choose just seven statements to share with children, what would they be? Each chapter in this compelling book focuses on a single statement elementary-age kids need to hear from parents, children's workers, and other close adults. These seven statements are simple to share, yet guaranteed to profoundly impact children. They are: I believe in you. You can count on me. I treasure you. I'm sorry, please forgive me. Because. No. I love you. will educate, equip, and motivate parents and children's ministry teams to carefully choose words that building up kids' hearts, to say them frequently, and to do so in creative ways. What children hear from trusted adults significantly influences their self-image, their current relationships, and future relationships—including that all-important relationship with God.