Affirmations are so powerful. I feel like in recent years, the concept has gained momentum. In a world that is constantly tearing us down, it’s important to “speak life” over ourselves and our loved ones. I said this on my Instagram not too long ago, but I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. Black and brown faces in America especially have to cope with the hatred and fear of what the day will bring based on the color of our skin. But God! As believers, we know we are beautifully and wonderfully made by the Creator. Makes me want to sing, “This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me. The world didn’t give it, and the world can’t take it away.”
I’m a big fan of defining certain words, especially if they are buzzwords. Affirmation is defined as the “act of affirming,” which means to validate or confirm. So don’t get it twisted; we can also affirm
negative things over our lives; we know the world does it all the time before we even open our mouths. God’s word, the Lord’s love letter to us commands us to love. In Ephesians, Paul, the apostle writes, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” - Ephesians 4:29. We have to encourage ourselves and those we love.
There’s even science behind positive affirmations. A study published in the journal of Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that when individuals practiced positive affirmations certain reward sensors and pathways in the brain were enhanced and essentially rewired to a more positive worldview.
We have to combat the negativity of this world. If you watch CNN or listen to NPR daily as I do, you know it’s easy to get down in the dumps and feel defeated by the negative news. Love and self-respect start in the home. That’s why I make it a point to recite positive affirmations with Deuce daily. There are tons of books out there that include those statements you can positively speak over and with your child as well. I was introduced to two that are in constant rotation, and one even inspired the “Affirmation Board” I had customized by TifLynCo Creative.
Check them out, and be sure to look around and do some research. Not all affirmation literature is created equal. Do you have a positive affirmation book you enjoy, whether it’s for your children or you or you and your partner, please share in the comments below!
Until next time.
Yours & HIS,
Lady Payne
Comments