What is the power of affirmation?

I love the word “affirm.” It feels like I’ve discovered the secret power of affirmation. Affirmation is the practice of building others up with words and actions. To affirm others is to make them firm. The Bible has a lot to say about this practice. “Your words have upheld him who was stumbling, And you have strengthened the feeble knees;” (Job 4:4, NKJV).

Do you know the secret of affirmation? Let’s face it—our society does not practice the art of encouragement. The world tends to focus on the negative, the absurd, and the idiotic. Reading the daily newspapers has become an exercise in frustration and disappointment for me.

How do you feel after you read the daily newspapers or posts on social media? I’ve had the habit of catching up on local, national, and world news for many years, but it seems like there has been a shift. When I was young, newscasters and reporters would, in fact, report the news. Opinions could generally be found in a small column. But I’ve been disappointed with the loss of objective, neutral, and well-balanced reporting. In spite of this trend I’ve observed, I’ve decided to be different. I’ve dedicated my life to affirming others every day. I call it putting change in people’s pockets. The Bible admonishes us to “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29, NKJV) 

Whom do you encourage every day, and who encourages you? I’m convinced God wants you to affirm people as a daily discipline, and here are a few helpful tips to get you started:  

1. Make eye contact with others.   
2. Smile and shake their hands or greet them in an appropriate way.  
3. Say something nice to them, such as “It’s an honor to meet you” or “I love your shoes.”  
4. Introduce yourself. “Hi, my name is Paul Marc, and it’s a pleasure to meet you.”   
5. Find out their names, places of birth, and careers. People are affirmed when we care and listen.

These are just a few of the tools I use daily to build others up. It’s not complicated. It’s a habit, and I’ve seen so many people be affirmed. Try my formula and watch the beautiful results. You can do it because you are a miracle. 

Your friend, Paul Marc Goulet