Joyce Landorf Heatherly wrote:

 “Godly affirmation is based on what we are, or what we’ve accomplished, but just on the fact that we area who we are.”

She calls affirmation the greatest bond between persons.

I think she is right. I have been slowly reading through her small book, “Balcony People.” I stumbled across it  in a box of books I had set aside for ’someday reading.’ The day came and it has been a great read.

I think this is one of reasons I have such fond memories of my grand dad. He was an affirmer. What ever I did was great to him. Yes we need evaluators but I don’t see any shortage of those. I think we need some people to fill the ranks of the affirmers.

Exhortation is vital to get us moving. But it takes affirmation to keep us moving.

I think a leader should give five affirmations for every one exhortation at least. I have learned this stuff since I knew it all. I was a great exhorter, behind-kicker but I was never much fun to be around. Now I am a full-tilt affirmer. And I am finding there is a great deal to affirm out there if you’re looking for it.