When tasked with the job of freeing the children of Israel, Moses asks God what His Name is so he can tell the children of Israel who has sent him to them. In Exodus 3:14 “God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”
Wayne Dyer, an American self-help author, and a motivational speaker believed that the words “I am” are the most powerful words in the English language. He said, “The words I am, which you consistently use to define who you are and what you are capable of, are holy expressions for the name of God—the highest aspect of yourself.” And I love his idea in this next part, “Break lifelong habits of unwittingly besmirching this holy name.” (https://www.drwaynedyer.com/blog/the-power-of-i-am/)
Do you declare things with the words, “I am” that are less than divine?
Words are powerful. “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made” (Psalm 33:6) God used words to create.
How are you using your words?
When we use the words, “I am,” we are declaring what we are or what we hope to be.
So often we use these words lightly. We claim things we don’t want.
I am sick.
I am unhappy.
I am overwhelmed.
As we say these things, we start to call them into creation or reaffirm them as truths in our lives.
The words “I am” can be used to either serve us or sabotage us. What a powerful tool for good we have, if we use it to claim and affirm things that are true or that we want to be true in our lives.
What is the first thing we learn as Primary children – even in the nursery – in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
I AM a Child of God.
What a wonderful “I am” statement with which to start our lives. I would hazard a guess that no matter who leaves the church or for what reason – if they were primary children – they never forget that one line, “I am a Child of God.”
I’m a young adult literature fan and have read and watched the Hunger Games numerous times. At the beginning of the third movie, Katniss has been captured/saved and is completely traumatized. As she tries to re-engage in reality, she starts with the simplest things she knows, “My name is Katniss Everdeen.” It almost seems trivial to start at such a simple place. Surely, only trauma victims would need something so simplistic, was my thought until someone suggested to me that one of my affirmations be, “I am Mary Ann.”
WOW. When I heard that statement out loud, it was so profound at that moment. Tears pricked my eyes. That is a powerful statement. Replace your name for mine and affirm who you are out loud.
I am Mary Ann.
What else is the truth?
I am a Child of God.
I am loved by Heavenly Parents.
I am important.
I am here for a purpose.
What else do you want to be real?
I am loving.
Or, if you don’t believe that yet,
I am learning to be more loving.
Or
Even now, I am learning to love.
I am patient.
I am learning to be more patient each day.
Even now, I am improving in my ability to be patient.
I challenge you to write at least ten “I am” statements. Write them down with paper and pen every day for seven days. Say them out loud every day for seven days. See how it makes you feel.
There is power in claiming what you know to be true and what you chose. Choose to honor the words “I am” by claiming and creating the best, the highest, and the most divine in yourself.