The Power of Affirmation

When I was in first grade, my teacher sat me down. She looked at me and said, “Lisa, what do you want to do with your life when you grow up?”
I told her I wanted to be a mother.
Hesitantly, I added, “I would also like to be a writer. Do you think I could do that?”
I was reluctant to say that because I had never shared those words—that dream—with anyone. I remember feeling uncomfortable—vulnerable—as the words hung out there.
She put her hand on my hand and looked deeply into my eyes. She smiled.
“You can. I want you to hear me say that. You definitely can.”
Likely she did this with each of her students.
But I carried her words with me throughout my life. “Yes—you definitely can.”
I did not share my dream of being a writer with anyone until I met my husband. But that was easier—I knew he would support me.
The power of these moments is indescribably powerful.
It did not matter if she said it to all her students. She said it to me.
Recently, I had a significant mess in one of my writings. I had thoroughly mixed up my dates and times, and events were out of place.
My editor wrote me and said, “You have major problems here.”
I spent much time going back, rewriting, checking, and smoothing transitions until everything fell in place.
I sent it back to her.
She wrote, “Note this day when you became a true professional. You worked your way out of this, and it flows smoothly. You are a writer.”
All those little girl feelings flooded back.
I could do this.
I share this with you not to share compliments but to let you know that we all make significant messes in our lives, careers, and writings.
We need someone to walk with us, support us, share the truth with us, stay with us as we work our way out, and then affirm us when we do the hard work and get it right.
Do you have those people in your lives?
They are rare. But they are true gifts from God.
I see you. I see your imperfections. I see your messes. I am here as you go through this.
This describes our heavenly Father.
And we are blessed when He puts the people in our lives who reflect His attributes and support us.
If you don’t have these people, pray that God blesses you with them.
And remember to be this person for those around you.
We all need people to support us on our journeys!
Let’s be that for each other!