What does it mean to affirm? Or to be affirming?
We all need to be affirmed, appreciated and noticed. It is a sign that we are being valued and honored as the unique expressions of God we are.
To be affirming means to be aware and present with people. It also calls for an outward communication to them about your support. Many times we just tell ourselves that people already know how we feel about them, but we need to remember to deliver the message. It is our words that have the power to strengthen, encourage and lift up.
Since we understand we all are one with another, being affirming toward each other is a sacred act. It is more than just a compliment, but compliments are always welcome! When you affirm someone you are expressing gratitude for them. You are appreciating their presence as a gift in your life.
Recently one of my friends had fallen ill, resulting in a long hospital stay. His partner made sure he took the time to thank the nurses and the doctors. He even went to the hospital administrator and reported to her that everyone was doing a great job, was compassionate and dedicated. The administrator was taken aback by his report. She said no one has ever come to her office to let her know how wonderful her team was. His affirming attitude was greatly appreciated.
Jesus, our Way-Shower, was affirming toward others. Jesus taught in Matthew 12:34, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Affirming one another begins in the heart. If our hearts are full of love and compassion, our words will likely be uplifting, full of light and love.
In Proverbs 25:11, the Bible describes well-chosen words like this: “Like apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time.” Golden apples by themselves would be valuable and awe inspiring. Placing them against the background of silver carvings would just add to their inherent magnificence. The right words at the right time could make all the difference in someone’s life. With your words, you affirm the Divine in them.
Take time to affirm someone when you see the person daring greatly. Send someone a special message on their birthday, anniversary or on other special occasions rather than just signing your name to a card. Freely tell people what you admire most about them. Express your gratitude toward someone who has complimented you or offered you support. Affirm someone when you see his or her creativity or resourcefulness in a situation.
If you want to keep your interpersonal relationships healthy, apply sincere affirmation to your friendships, co-worker relationships, professional encounters and with your family. Being affirming takes practice. It takes devotion to learning this skill even if it does not come as naturally to you as it does to some else.
You will be surprised how many times you will hear, “Thanks. I needed to hear that!”
