The Power of a Woman's Affirmation!

At Friday Fire (New Philly prayer meeting on Fri nights), the men were privileged and honored to have the women pray for us! Since we are outnumbered by women about 2-to-1, Pastor Christian instructed all the men of the church to stand, and for the women (at least two) to approach the men and just pray blessing over them and words of encouragement and affirmation. As a man receiving this prayer - it was awesome!


Women, your words are powerful!

Since being married I've learned exactly how powerful they can be. Shelli does such an awesome job affirming and encouraging me. I can honestly say that whenever she gives me a compliment, or tells me that I'm really skilled at something, it makes me feel like I can literally conquer the world! Her words carry so much weight when it comes to my identity and helping me to know it fully. I love that about her.

Recently one of the pastors explained to us how during a prayer meeting anyone that is serving has the ability to cut the flow. Each person, whether they are playing an instrument, leading prayer, doing tech/sound, has the capacity to quench what the Spirit wants to do by making a mistaking and introducing distraction. Likewise (and more importantly!), each person has the capacity to propel and bring to fruition what the Spirit wants to do. 

I would argue that the relationship between women and men is the same. Women have the capacity to really quench what a man can become. With just a few careless words, she can totally destroy years of hard-work, momentum, and confidence. Likewise, with a few strategic words of life, she can propel that man into his destiny, and really help him accomplish more than he ever could have on his own!

If you've watched any length of TV, you realize that the media often portrays men as stupid. This really ticks me off, and its just plain wrong. For whatever reason society finds it hysterical to make men out to look weak and insignificant. Just look at every comedy sitcom you enjoy watching! Chances are the main character (or one of them) is a man who's mistakes become the center of the plot (The Office, The Big Bang Theory, King of Queens... just a few we've come across recently - I'm sure there are more). 

Feeling like kings!

One reason (of many) why I love our church is that there is such a culture of honor and affirmation for everyone - girls to guys and guys to girls. Its full of people speaking life and encouragement over one another. Korea has a tradition of the girls treating the guys for Valentine's Day (don't worry ladies, one month after the guys treat the girls on what's called White Day). 

Well, this Valentine's Day, the women went all out for us guys to make us feel like KINGS! It was so sweet. They cooked us dinner (a full chicken for every man, yes!), they organized contests and games, and then they cleaned it all up and wouldn't let us help. When it was all said and done, I was so blessed that the women set aside so much time and money to make sure that all of us men were taken care of. This is what society and the media is missing out on - true, authentic relationships! (Don't worry... we totally outdid the girls last week for White Day, ha!). 

It was delicious!

So don't give in to the way that society and media like to portray men. We men need women to believe in us - to speak strength and boldness over us. If you're married, I just want to tell you that you women bear a great responsibility and privilege - in that - what you say over your husband has so much weight (as do the husbands over their wives, but that's for another post...) so make your words count!