A few years ago I was listening to a Zig Ziglar podcast where he shared his story about the creation of and use of his daily affirmation–his mission statement of sorts that provided him inspiration to become the confident and inspiring man he became. When he wrote his daily affirmation, he didn’t yet bear all the qualities he mentioned in his mission statement but it provided him with a goal…a focus…a drive that inspired him to become a better person…a better Zig Ziglar to the point he landed his first solid sales job and the rest is history.
Recently I have been reading Sally Clarkson’s Mission of Motherhood, which has a side-note is probably one of, if not THE most inspiring books on motherhood that I’ve ever read. In it she shares a basic mission statement for mothers–who we are to be as servants of our Lord in light of scripture. Her encouraging words and biblical incite in turn got be thinking about Zig Ziglar’s daily affirmation again and how maybe I should create one for mothers…namely, me.
See, I don’t have this mothering thing any more together than many of the rest of you. I desire to be more in-the-moment with my children, more physically fit, more honoring of husband, more kind and giving to my friends and the community. Just like you, I struggle with so many of those “biblical woman” traits that sometimes I need a little motivation to be THAT kind of mom or to be THAT kind of wife or to remember WHY I am doing what I am doing. I began looking at Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 again as it could relate to a potential mission statement. I reviewed Sally Clarkson’s mission statement and Zig Ziglar’s daily affirmation. Together, I combined these passages and inspirational statements to come up with what I consider my daily affirmation.
While I continue to be a work in progress, I’ve been amazed at how much reading it daily during my morning quiet time has helped me to focus on what is important and remember whose I am and whom I am serving. Maybe it will be an inspiration to you too. In fact, if you like it, feel free to print a copy for yourself via the link below. Just remember though, I have not obtained all of these characteristics and goals yet–these are motivation for the future. Phew! If I had this all down, I would be even more amazing than the Proverbs 31 woman, whom we all know is beyond fantastic. So let it be an encouragement to you and vision for what you can become…what WE can become as children of God when we turn our focus ever on Him. God bless!
A Mother’s Daily Affirmation
I___________, am a child of God, seeking each day to grow into the kind of person God wants me to be and live out my faith in front of those whom He has placed in my life including my husband, whom I love and respect, and my children, whom I nurture and serve, as well as my church, community, and beyond, as God sees fit. I am committed to do all of this so that I may bring glory to God.
As such, I am trustworthy, self-controlled, pure in thought and action, kind, and hard-working. I have a great attitude, a high level of enthusiasm and energy, and a fun-loving sense of humor. I have a healthy self-image, a passion for what is right, and a solid hope for the future. I am honest, sincere, sensitive, caring, unselfish, and committed to my relationships with others and the tasks at hand. I am a good listener, patient, encouraging, giving, and forgiving. I am disciplined, motivated, organized, and focused as well as intelligent, persistent, and creative. I am flexible, punctual, hospitable, and frugal, making the best use of the resources God has given us and sharing the rest with those in need. Words of wisdom, kindness and compassion are ever on my tongue and my convictions are strongly planted in God’s word. I have ambitious goals and plans for the future and have established specific strategies to accomplish these life-giving goals, Lord willing.
I am health-conscious, physically fit, and take pride in my appearance as well as what I do knowing that I am representing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and that it is my responsibility to be physically ready for whatever task God may call me to do.
I also know that working at home and serving my family is my most important calling. As such, I model for my children what is good and productive, partnering with my husband and God to lead and teach them to know and love God’s Word and to use the gifts and talents God has given them to further His kingdom. My children are well-behaved, have instilled good life-long learning skills, a strong moral character, honesty, dependability, appreciation for physical labor, and a strong sense of self-discipline based on the respect for and submission to God as a result of these efforts.
I support my husband, submit to him and serve him so as to bring him honor and further proclaim the good news of Christ’s work here on earth. I rise early to spend time with my Lord, plan my day, and prepare for my family’s needs. I make sure my family is well-fed and well-clothed. I strive to make the home a welcome place for both family and guests.
I use the gifts, skills, talents and training God has placed in my life to help support my family, bring God glory and further His kingdom. I delight and give praise to God in whatever circumstances I find myself and always face the new day with a smile. I am an honorable person who is truly grateful for the opportunities God has given me. God knit these qualities in me before I was born and I fully intend to develop these marvelous qualities with which I have been entrusted.
If read at night, close with: Tonight I am going to bed early so that I may sleep wonderfully well. I will rest in the peace and assurance of Christ and will awaken energized and refreshed for the magnificent day that is going to be tomorrow.
If read in the morning, close with: Today is the first day of the rest of my life and it is wonderful because God has made it so.
Her children rise up and honor her. Her husband does also, and he praises her, saying: “Many daughters have done well, but you have done better than all of them.” Proverbs 31: 28-29
