Advent, Week 3: The Season of Affirmation

I belong to the SHARE ministry at my church. On December 10 we hosted a luncheon for about 50 seniors 65+ of age. It was a joyous occasion with food, fun, singing and dancing. It was heartwarming to affirm that the seniors are important and how much they are appreciated. It made me smile and brought joy to my heart to serve them!

I've been very blessed to have been born in a household that has always affirmed each other. My mother and father would always explain the importance of "who we are, and what we are supposed to be".

This "positiveness" was also affirmed to me during my elementary and high School year(s) at a predominate African-American Catholic school(s). This helps me to be more empathetic to others, especially those who need encouragement(s) to believe that they have a purpose here on earth.

During a bible Study at a nursing home here in Savannah, Ga. I took the opportunity to talk to my participants about God's plans for us, in helping us to help Him build the Kingdom Of Heaven here on earth. I let each of them know (while touching each one's shoulder) how God loves each and every one of them. And that he equipped each of them with "charisma" when they were baptized into the faith.

Later, I was approached by at least 8 people who wanted to know more about this "charisma", or talent(s) that God has given them. We explore some of them. They left me feeling more energized and affirmed about God's will in life.

I often am the one offering the affirmation to others, so with this week's challenge I chose to go a different route. Instead of affirming in my usual way, I chose to listen. I chose to be silent while others spoke their truth. Too often I want to interject and give someone a story from my life that relates to their story, but I simply listened with my utmost attention. It was VERY difficult at first, but I found that allowing someone to tell their story is a way of affirming them as a unique individual. I got to see another side to my neighbor, who is always complaining. I saw her as an individual looking for love and acceptance. What an eye-opening week I have had and I plan to continue with this "new to me" concept of affirmation.

Thanks for the stretching exercise Professor Howard

Blessings,

Darlene

On our zoom call last night, we discussed the Season of Affirmation. I was reminded this morning by one of your classmates of the difficulty of affirming a friend, family member or maybe a stranger. We talked about how Jesus never assumed even though he knew what each individual needs in life. Often the scriptures show Jesus asking what do you want, or need? Jesus would meet their needs, and then affirm them, your faith has made you whole. I hope you will reach out to at least one person (I know I said three people), regardless of the challenges and affirm them in their faith walk. We must, "Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak," they need to hear affirming words. There is healing in affirmation.