You are smart, You are kind, You are important.

Words of affirmation have the power to satisfy thirsty souls. Like dipping water from a cool spring to parched lips, such words refresh and revive our spirits. But there are other warring words within...


Voices of insecurity cast a spell over us. They nearly hypnotize us with their deceitful whispers of doubt. We doubt our value, our abilities.

They can paralyze us into inactivity.

We stop trying.

We start believing the lies:

"I can't do this."

I am reading A Confident Heart by Renee Swope and look forward to this fall's discussion group centering on this guide to understand 'how to stop doubting yourself and live into the security of God's promises,' as the subtitle records.

There is a movie scene I saw last night that plays into this line of thought. Aibileen, lead role in The Help, serves up food for the soul. She practices speaking words of affirmation into the little heart and mind of Mae Mobley. Not empty flattery or comments about her appearance or her clothing, her words go straight to the character of the child, repeatedly addressing her kindness, intellect and importance or value.

This mantra is intended to inculcate a sense of self confidence. They also become her parting words. We don't get a second chance to make a last impression, so we give it our best shot.


What would it be like to have someone in our lives repeat those words into our ears?

Would it help us live up to the highest standards of behavior, exhibiting selflessness, generosity, kindness, courage, forgiveness other virtues in our relationships?

Would we grasp that we are loved for who we are and not for what we do?

Just knowing that someone believes the best in us gives us a huge head start. Mothers, parents, teachers and others who are in positions to convey this powerful gift of the blessing, cannot imagine the extent of the ripples of their words. Our words have the power to cripple and have the power to heal. Words expressed cannot be un-spoken.

God's words for us on the subject of our value stand ready to pour like blessings over our heads.

You are precious and honored in my sight...and I love you. Isaiah 43:4

Say it again.

Such words stand as a counterpoint to the daily whispers of doubt that emerge within us, challenging us to strain to hear the still, small voice of One Who loves us with an everlasting love.