Can I be honest about something?
Well, actually…if you said, ‘No, I can’t hear you, so why don’t I plow ahead?
Parents, I don’t know how you do it. The “launching kids out into the cruel world” thing. Whether it’s kindergarten or freshman year at college, I admire all of you who do it…and multiple times, even.
I don’t have children.
I have two nieces that I adore, and I’m very, very active in their lives. Back-to-school time is so stressful. For them, because they don’t want to go back, and for me, well, because I don’t want them to go back. I called the world cruel because I truly believe that.
Before you hit reply to “biblically” correct me, make no mistake: I know GOD is good. But this world is harsh. People are lonely and lost, which can make them mean and hurtful, and I never want my girls to experience that. But you know, like I know it’s inevitable because this world is, in fact, fallen.
I pray with them in person at the beginning of every school year. We live thousands of miles away, but I make a point of flying in to pray and anoint them with oil (that’s a cherished vestige from my Pentecostal childhood). This year, with the oldest niece a sophomore in college and the youngest a sophomore in high school, I felt like I needed to do a little more.
“Positive affirmation” and “manifesting” are all the rage on that ol’ TicTok-y thing the kids love. What is sad is that it all seems to be void of God, His Word, and His Spirit. BUT, I decided to take advantage of the fact that they’re familiar with the language and actions and suggested something else to them, which they both loved, and your children may as well. I gave them affirmations to speak out loud every day…but they are from God’s word.
I didn’t lead with that. I just said, ‘Here are affirmations I want you to say out loud every day before school. It looks like this:
- The Lord leads me, so I don’t lack anything. (From Psalm 23)
- Because of God, I’m not fearful. I love people with His love; I’m powerful. My mind is sharp and stable. (From 2 Timothy 1:7)
- I am filled with the knowledge of what God wants for my life. I have wisdom. I have understanding. Every good work I do prospers. (From Col 1:9-11)
See? It allows them to take part in the current TikTok fad but with (howbeit sneakily) God’s word. I plan to change the affirmations every month.
With all the crazy in the world, knowing my girls are speaking God’s Word over themselves gives me great peace. Because old auntie knows the power of His Word. Nothing is more powerful.
I put together some printable cards for you to have these handy in the morning. You can download them below. If you decide to try this with our kids, make sure to let us know!
Enter your information to download the printable affirmation cards!
Sherri Lynn
Want more encouragement? Keep reading ⬇️
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Sherri, you’re helping your sweet nieces in the most valuable, yet gentle way!!! Yes, getting back to school never was – or is – easy – but it’s a time of reconnection – with classmates and maybe with teachers – It’s a time for picking up where you left off, and it’s opening a door to discovery of new things! As youngsters, we’d been curious. We wanted to know more about what we already know, and want to fill our lives with new experiences, too. Learning never has to end. We can keep learning throughout our lives – It keeps us strong, vibrant, and striving for more – and, based on all that, thriving, too!!! Like that latest tune goes, “….keep, keep, keep, keep going!!!” (a great dance tune as well!!!” 💃🎶). Thank You, Sherri!!!👏😊
Thank you, Sherri! We care for our little granddaughter one day a week and speak affirmations over her – these will be great! She is a sponge so will absorb each spoken word!!!!