words have to change a life — a power that lies right in the hands of
those reading this article. Mary had grown up knowing that she was
different from the other kids, and she hated it. She was born with a
cleft palate and had to bear the jokes and stares of cruel children
who teased her non-stop about her misshaped lip, crooked nose, and
garbled speech. With all the teasing, Mary grew up hating the fact
that she was "different". She was convinced that no one, outside her
family, could ever love her … until she entered Mrs. Leonard's class.
Mrs. Leonard had a warm smile, a round face, and shiny brown hair.
While everyone in her class liked her, Mary came to love Mrs. Leonard.
In the 1950′s, it was common for teachers to give their children an
annual hearing test. However, in Mary's case, in addition to her cleft
palate, she was barely able to hear out of one ear. Determined not to
let the other children have another "difference" to point out, she
would cheat on the test each year. The "whisper test" was given by
having a child walk to the classroom door, turn sideways, close one
ear with a finger, and then repeat something which the teacher
whispered. Mary turned her bad ear towards her teacher and pretended
to cover her good ear. She knew that teachers would often say things
like, "The sky is blue," or "What color are your shoes?" But not on
that day. Surely, God put seven words in Mrs. Leonard's mouth that
changed Mary's life forever. When the "Whisper test" came, Mary heard
the words: "I wish you were my little girl."
Father, I wish there was some way that I could communicate to you the
incredible blessing which affirming words impart to children. I wish,
too, that you could sit in my office, when I coun- sel, and hear the
terrible damage that individuals received from not hearing affirming
words–particularly affirming words from a father. While words from a
godly teacher can melt a heart, words from a father can powerfully set
the course of a life.
If affirming words were something rarely spoken in your home growing
up, let me give you some tips on words and phrases that can brighten
your own child's eyes and life.These words are easy to say to any
child who comes into your life. I'm proud of you, Way to go, Bingo …
you did it, Magnificent, I knew you could do it, What a good helper,
You're very special to me, I trust you, What a treasure, Hurray for
you, Beautiful work, You're a real trooper, Well done, That's so
creative, You make my day, You're a joy, Give me a big hug, You're
such a good listener, You figured it out, I love you, You're so
responsible, You remem- bered, You're the best, You sure tried hard,
I've got to hand it to you, I couldn't be prouder of you, You light up
my day, I'm praying for you, You're wonderful, I'm behind you, You're
so kind to your (brother/sister), You're God's special gift, I'm here
for you.
