Amanda and I love watching The Biggest Loser. While there has been some wearisome drama this season, Tuesday night had me standing up and applauding as I watched this father and son duo in the weigh-in show a great example of a father showing affirmation for his son.
Chism was being sent off and his youth pastor father, Mark, was trying to take his place. In the midst of his attempt, Mark affirmed his son and told him in public of how proud he was of his son.
I looked at Amanda and asked her, “I wonder how many people live their entire lives without being verbally affirmed by their fathers?”
It made such an impact that Rosie was moved by this father:
We all have had those defining moments in our lives. Many of those moments happen when someone says something to us. Whether the words were good or bad, words have a way of significantly impacting us.
Think for a moment: what was the most impacting thing your father ever said to you (if you didn’t have a relationship with your father, take the next closest relationship growing up)? What words had the biggest impact on you —good or bad?
Think about those words. They resonated so much in your heart that they rose to the top to be remembered on this very day. They might have even been spoken years ago and yet you still can remember them. Our words have power. Have you used the power of your words to affirm your children?
A great way to bless your children is by giving them affirmation. In your attempts to affirm your children, there is no better father to learn from than our Heavenly Father. On the day Jesus was baptized, his Father spoke some words that we should be mindful to repeat. Read them in Mark 1:9-11:
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. 10 As soon as He came up out of the water, He saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending to Him like a dove.
11 And a voice came from heaven:
You are My beloved Son;
I take delight in You!
God spoke these words to His Son, and He spoke them in a way that others could hear it. He was filled with joy concerning His Son, and He wanted everyone to know it!
How could you intentionally affirm your children today? Follow God’s example by making sure they know these three things: 1) You are proud that this child is yours, 2) You love him or her, and 3) You take delight in him or her.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
I know this is an old post from when Chism and I were on BL, but I still had to say that this is awesome. It was a tough night, but God has proved time and time again that He is with us.
I’m happy to say it’s been two years and He continues to affirm me in His love and grace. We still have opportunities to connect and share with others thanks to the work God did during our time on the show.
Thanks for writing this. For some reason, He knew I needed to be reminded of this two years later…
Mark Cornelison
Biggest Loser Contestant Season 13
Mark, thanks so much for stopping by, reading, and commenting. I really thought you displayed such an incredible heart for your son and displayed what fathers are supposed to provide for their children. So honored to be able for it to be a blessing to you 2 years later! Keep on keeping on.