Jesse Joyner, PhD

The Power of Affirmations

Can you think of a time when someone spoke life into you through an affirming word? Did anyone ever tell you, “You’re really good at that” or “You should consider doing such-and-such with your life, it would really help/serve others”?

I’m studying the topic of calling for my research and I am learning that we as humans act as participants in the calling process for one another. And it is a powerful force that can change the trajectory of someone’s life.

Someone might believe they are called by God to something and then God uses other humans to whisper affirmations in that person’s ear to confirm that calling. Or maybe someone doesn’t even know that God is calling them, but others around them can see a calling upon them that is as clear as day.

Think back to the times that people have affirmed you in your gifts, talents, and vocations. Then think about how you can pay it forward and speak an affirmation into someone else’s life around you. Pay attention to the gifts, talents, passions, and callings that you see in others. And prayerfully consider affirming that person through simple words of, “I have noticed that you’re really good at [fill-in-the-blank] and how much it means to others.”

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