It took me way to long to realize how much I need to empower my boys.
I love everything about my boys. But I’ve gotta say, playing with little boys all day long is hard. My Lego building skills only go so far and I can only build so many towers in a day, especially since little brother comes along and knocks it down within seconds of being finished.
Recently, my boys have been waking up with nightmares and struggling with separation anxiety. Thankfully the phase didn’t last very long but I know it’s a possibility that it may happen again. I slept on the floor of my parent’s bedroom for months when I was little because I was just too scared in my own room. Yes, I was that super-sensitive child who also happened to have cousins that tormented me to no end.
When my boys headed into a season of fear and insecurity that I knew all too well from experience, I immediately began praying peace over them. I am sensitive to their feelings knowing they may not be able to separate reality from a dream.
Empower with Truth
As I began praying over them, the Holy Spirit inspired me to have them speak truths about themselves.
I am brave. I am strong. I am courageous.
These three simple phrases have made a HUGE difference in how my boys now respond to fear and insecurity.
The first few times we headed to the gym, my little one had the hardest time going. I’d have to drag him through the door (sound familiar?). Once inside the gate, I would get down on his level and I would say, “I am brave. I am strong. I am courageous.” I would have him repeat those words to me until he would stop crying and sometimes he would walk away, still sniffing and crying, but repeating those words to himself as he headed off to play with the other kids. Now we’ve gotten to the point where we will be driving down the road headed towards the gym, and my oldest will say, “We’re going to the gym, Dax. I am brave, I am strong, I am courageous!”
Now, whether they are scared, insecure or just trying to solve a simple puzzle, we repeat those 3 phrases.
Brave, Strong, Courageous
Little boys need to be empowered. They need to be told who they are and why. You are brave. You are strong. You are courageous. Because that’s who God made you to be.
Next time your little one heads into a season of fear or insecurity, empower them.
How do you encourage and empower your children?
Check out more ideas to help you encourage your family!
Melodee Fiske
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Hi. Melodee. I know you and Holly and Christine are mom of boys. I don’t know how it would be like if I had all boys. God bless you Ladies. I had a question for you ladies. I have 2 daughters as you all know. Hannah is 11. Almost 12. And I can’t believe it i am a mom of a pretty teen. Ohhh. Mmmmyyy also Sadie is 5. Love school I think. My question is. How would I encourage my daughters.
Hey Andreia! You can definitely use these phrases to empower your daughters too but I would probably tell them, “you are brave, you are beautiful, you are smart”. Or find three areas that you know your daughter struggles with, and speak those truths to her over and over again!