Overview:
In her article, Shewanda Riley shares a declaration of encouragement that parents and guardians can say with their children as they head back to school. The declaration emphasizes the importance of speaking things into existence and having life and death in the power of the tongue. It also encourages children to reject confusion, discouragement, and distractions, and to focus on God's vision and purpose for their lives. The declaration promotes a Christ-like character of love, joy, peace, patience, self-control, kindness, and grace, and encourages children to be kind to others and be a daily example of God's love.
“You is smart. You is kind. You is important.”
Viola Davis made these words famous when she played domestic Aibileen Clark in the movie The Help.
In the movie, Aibileen says these words and makes the little girl she is taking care of repeat them as well. Part of the reason why these words were so powerful was because in their simplicity, they stressed to the child hearing the words and the child repeating those words how important it is to speak encouragement. It’s made for a cute meme but, in fact, having the little girl repeat the words is an impressive example of the spiritual principles of speaking things into existence (Romans 4:17) and of having life and death in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).
This week, I’m sharing a declaration of encouragement that any parent or guardian can say with their child as they head back to school.
“Today, I am blessed and am thankful that you will meet all of my needs.
I am surrounded by favor, mercy, and grace. I have the mind of Christ concerning all things. I will reject every thought, imagination, or idea that does not come from God. I reject confusion, discouragement, and distractions. My mind is sharp, and my ears are open to hearing from God. Godly excellence is my standard and divine purpose is my focus. Philippians 4:8 says to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report. I will have laser focused vision on God’s vision and purpose for my life. My mind is open to new ideas as I complete my schoolwork. My mind will grasp even the most difficult concepts and ideas as you God give me deeper understanding.
My body is a temple of the holy spirit. I am a vessel of peace and will be at peace with others. I will be mindful of what I eat and how I treat my physical body. I will strive for balance in eating what is healthy and nourishing. I will not deprive myself of foods that I enjoy but I will eat in moderation. I will be open to insights into what foods are best for my body and what the best physical activities are for me. I am strong and will use my strength to empower others.
My spirit will be in tune with God’s spirit throughout my day. My attitude will reflect a Christ-like character of love, joy, peace, patience, self-control, kindness, and grace. I will remain open to receiving your blessings today. I am a child of God and everything about how I treat myself, my fellow classmates, my teachers, and staff at my school will reflect that. I will be kind to others and be a daily example of God’s love. Amen!”
Have a fantastic and blessed school year!
Shewanda Riley (Aunt Wanda), PhD, is a Fort Worth-based author of “Love Hangover: Moving from Pain to Purpose After a Relationship Ends” and “Writing to the Beat of God’s Heart: A Book of Prayers for Writers.” Email her at preservedbypurpose@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @shewanda. You can also listen to her podcast at www.chocolateauntiepodcast.com.