The Whisper -

John Trent, Ph.D.,Vice President Of Today's Family, Men Of Action

Recently, I heard a touching story which illustrates
the power that words have to change a life -- a power

that lies right in the hands of those reading this article. 

Mary had grown up knowing that she was different

from the other kids, and she hated it. She was born

with a cleft palate and had to bear the jokes and

stares of cruel children who teased her 

non-stop about her misshaped lip, crooked 

nose, and garbled speech. With all the teasing, 

Mary grew up hating the fact that she was

"different". She was convinced that no one,

outside her family, could ever love her 

...until she entered Mrs. Leonard's class.

Mrs. Leonard had a warm smile, a round 

face, and shiny brown hair. While everyone 

in her class liked her, Mary came to love

Mrs. Leonard. In the 1950's, it was common

for teachers to give their children an annual

hearing test. 


However, in Mary's case, in addition to her

cleft palate, she was barely able to hear out

of one ear. Determined not to let the other

children have another "difference" to point

out, she would cheat on the test each year. 


The "whisper test" was given by having a

child walk to the classroom door, turn 

sideways, close one ear with a finger, and

then repeat something which the

teacher whispered. 


Mary turned her bad ear towards her 

teacher and pretended to cover her good

 ear. She knew that teachers would often

 say things like, "The sky is blue," or

"What color are your shoes?" But not on

that day. Surely, God put seven words in

Mrs. Leonard's mouth that changed Mary's

life forever. When the "Whisper test" came,

Mary heard the words:

"I wish you were my little girl."

Dads, I wish there was some way that I could

communicate to you the incredible 

blessing which affirming words impart to

 children. I wish, too, that you could sit

in my office, when I coun-sel, and hear

the terrible damage that individuals

received from not hearing affirming

words--particularly affirming words 

from a father. While words from a godly

teacher can melt a heart, words from a

father can powerfully set the course of a

life.

If affirming words were something rarely

spoken in your home growing up, let

me give you some tips on words and

phrases that can brighten your own

child's eyes and life.These words are

easy to say to any child who comes 

into your life. 

I'm proud of you, 

Way to go, 

Bingo ... 

you did it, 

Magnificent, 

I knew you could do it, 

What a good helper, 

You're very special to me, 

I trust you, 

What a treasure, 

Hurray for you, 

Beautiful work, 

You're a real trooper, 

Well done, 

That's so creative, 

You make my day, 

You're a joy, 

Give me a big hug, 

You're such a good listener, 

You figured it out, 

I love you, 

You're so responsible, 

You remembered, 

You're the best, 

You sure tried hard, 

I've got to hand it to you, 

I couldn't be prouder of you, 

You light up my day, 

I'm praying for you, 

You're wonderful, 

I'm behind you, 

You're so kind 

to your (brother/sister), 

You're God's special gift, 

I'm here for you.