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I'm So Proud of You
Five little words...I'm so proud of you. Five little words that can mean so much! When is the last time that you heard those words or have spoken those words to someone? Just recently someone said that to me and I was a bit taken aback, not really knowing how to respond. It was spoken in all genuineness and I graciously received the affirmation, however, it did give me pause for a minute. I got to thinking that those words aren't commonly shared from one adult to another. It is something we often say to kids when they accomplish something new or work really hard to finish a project, but from one adult to another, not so much. At least not in my circles. Why is that? Are we concerned the praise will go to someone's head? Does saying the words to another adult make it seem like we are superior over them? Are we so self absorbed that we don't even think about someone else's accomplishments? I can't speak for others and what goes through their minds, but I know that I am going to make an effort to say these five simple words more often.(and not just to my grandchildren when they are potty training or learning to put their shoes on)
It occurred to me as I was processing all of this, that I haven't heard those words very often in my life. Affirmation wasn't common in my home, or in the various areas of my childhood. Being confident and proud was somewhat frowned upon because it was believed that it didn't follow the teachings of Christ, so praising someone was kept at a minimum.
I don't write this to stir up sympathy. I am writing this to express my sadness over the fact that someone in the past or present would go through life without that needed encouragement. Hearing 'I am so proud of you' can have a significant effect on a person's confidence and self-worth.
It is our human/sinful nature to find fault, to criticize and to judge. It can actually come pretty easily for us. It takes more effort to find ways to praise and encourage. For those of us in the church, who have taken on a new mindset, and who follow the teachings of Jesus, encouraging others should be part of our everyday practice.
Let's do it!!
Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
This is a great reminder to encourage others. Well stated!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteThanks for these cogent thoughts, Mim. Wonder why it is so much easier to criticize than to praise? During my teaching years, seeing students literally light up when given encouragement or praise are helpful reminders to me to encourage rather than criticize. One particular student told me he had never received an affirmation from any of his former teachers. He still keeps in touch with me. That being said, I still have to watch my normal tendency to criticize.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Don. I'm sure you encouraged, inspired and touched many young lives over the course of your career!
DeleteMim, this is so good! A great reminder to us all to give away those words of encouragement and receive them. In my quiet time the other day I said “Jesus do you have anything you’d like to say to me” and he said” I am proud of you. I said really he said yes I know your heart and I am proud of you” Listen carefully you never know what tender words you may hear from your Heaven Papa.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog and sharing your encouragement!
DeleteBeautifully said!! I too am proud of you. Can't take credit but have loved watching you grow!! Bless you for blessing us!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading my blog and for your kind words!
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