Going on an Affirmation Feast?

Leaves of a Banyan Tree in Kapiolani Park

Good Morning, God!

Yesterday I was chatting with a dear friend about her upcoming Daniel Fast — named after Daniel in the Old Testament who didn’t eat the King’s food. He ate beans and grains and vegetables and drank water. He and his friends ended up healthier than those eating the King’s food.

I thought about this, God and I felt “convicted” about my food. I want to do better — but, alas, like most of us — not quite yet.

Then as I was chatting about the diet it came to me that Jesus said that it isn’t what goes INTO a man’s mouth that makes him “unclean” but what comes OUT of a man’s mouth!

Hmm. It came to me that I could go on an AFFIRMATION FEAST. Of course, it could be called a fast from negative comments. But, it sounds a LOT more appealing to me when I call it a FEAST!

Somehow, God, we humans think that criticizing is the best way to help. But, my experience is that criticism makes us defensive and combative. How much better to affirm a person’s strengths — in fact, how much better just to AFFIRM those around us. And, just as these beautiful leaves were there in the Banyan tree — strengths and beauty ARE there in those around us.

Affirming a person’s existence can start with something as simple as using his name. Again, I think back to Paul Watzlawick’s wonderful quote: The Primary Purpose of Human Communication is to Confirm Our Existence as Human Beings.” Affirmed individuals seem to me, God, to be better able to BEHAVE better.  Please help me, God, to go on an “Affirmation Feast.”

About a moment with god

Story teller,