Proud- Steven Curtis Chapman

"Proud, I'm just so proud I don't know how to say it any better Proud, you make me proud Win or lose, well it really doesn't matter

'Cause you step up to the plate Swingin' for the fence You're gonna change the world around you I'm convinced Just look how you're changin' me"

We all long for affirmation from our parents from a very early age. We want them to be attentive to our needs, and communicate the words, “I am proud of you” from with their words and actions. It is through that living proof of love in action that we are motivated to change the world for the better because someone believes in us so much.

My parents have been an constant source of encouragement and affirmation to me throughout my life. They have uplifted me and encouraged me when I was down, gave words of life during challenging transitions, but most of all, communicated to me that they were proud of me. When I went off to college, I carried their words and example with me, as I sought to follow God’s call for my life.

Now that I am a father, I want nothing more for my son to know that I am proud of him. Now it consist of being proud of him eating well, rolling over, the little things that will make him into a boy and ultimately a man some day. The fact that I play a fundamental role in a little person’s life is out of this world and brings it’s source of challenges. Questions such as “Will I be a good dad?” Will I being a person he looks up to? Will he be proud to have me as a father? “ These questions come ultimately out of insecurity in me because I want to be the best father I can be. But ultimately, it is being the father who is there for him, encourages him, and strives to let him know how proud of him through every stage of his life.

"We both know that sometimes You make me crazy And we both know that sometimes We let each other down

But I want you to know whatever you do Just because you are you You will always be makin' me proud"

There will be moments in the lives of Joseph and me that we will both drive each crazy. I am sure that in those moments we will not know what to do with each other. What is important for me in those moments is to communicate that in despite of our differences, that I will always be proud of him.

Do you strive to communicate to your children or loved ones how you are proud of them? Today say the words “I am proud of you” through your words and actions, and just be intentionally present in their lives. Your child need you through each stage of their life even if they are too proud to admit it.

Regardless if we have children or loved ones present in our lives, there are people all around us that need words of affirmation and encouragement. People who can affirm their place in their world and says the words, “I am proud of you”. Take time to think of people you can speak life and purpose through your words and presence.

I dare you to move toward a life of pouring into their next generation the love that has been poured out in your life. If love hasn't been poured out in your life by many people, stand out from the world around you. There may be some awkward moments in store for you, but who knows that by these moments you may make a difference in someone's life? Making the gospel come alive to them through being the hands and feet of Jesus to a watching world.