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 suggest 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 (albeit 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.
If you decide to try this with your kids, make sure to let us know!
