It's loosely based around two African American women who work as maids for white families during the Civil Rights era in the 1960s. If you go to Wikipedia you can read a little write up about the movie content. If you haven't seen the movie I highly recommend it.
One of the maids, or as they were referred to in the movie as the help, was named Aberdeen Clark. One of her duties was to take care of a little girl around 3 years old. Every day Aberdeen would speak in her broken English these encouraging words of affirmation over the little girl, "You's kind, you's smart, you's important!"
Our eyes filled with tears and our hearts were deeply touched when we watched that scene. I felt as if it was what I call a "God Moment". Like a blessing being spoken over that little girl!
It's such a powerful reminder of the power of words, both good and bad. I've heard it said that when one negative or discouraging word has been spoken to a person it takes up to seven positive or encouraging words to counteract the negative affect in our mind and heart. I believe the scriptures do refer to the fact that words have power for good or for evil.
I believe the Bible also refers to the Holy Spirit as " The Helper", the one that wants to come along beside us. He wants to speak words of encouragement and affirmation into our hearts. Words like, you're kind, you're smart, you're important!
I hope I can reflect "the helper" that lives inside me when I speak the words, "you's kind, you's smart, you's important, to a lost and hurting world around me that so desperately needs to hear these healing and encouraging words!
I hope you have been blessed and encouraged too!
Amen. Let it be so!
Terilyn, I read the book and watched the movie of The Help this past year. It's a very powerful story, and one we as writers can really relate to. I love your application - the Holy Spirit wants to love others through us. Too often others see us Christians as people with a lot of "do's" and "don'ts" and unfortunately, very little love. May we allow God to change us and use us to share His message of love with our world.
ReplyDeletePaul's description comes to mind - unless we carry out our to-do's with love, they're nothing but a clanging gong,
ReplyDeleteSome of us (no names, but the initials BJ come to mind) are very task oriented. Your words resonate, Terilyn. As you say. Let it be so!
Bobbi
Words of encouragement are so important. I saw the movie but didn't read the book...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great blog. We can all speak and pray into people's lives and then step back and watch the Lord work. Sometimes as Christians we miss our cue.
ReplyDeleteGreat post,
ReplyDeleteI read the book and saw the movie. I love your connection with The Helper and The Holy Spirit - yes we need to listen to that inner voice.
Blessings,
Janis www.janiscox.com
True godly encouragement is a rare gift these days and our world really needs it. Love your post!
ReplyDeletePam Mytroen
I also found that scene incredibly powerful. When I was little and my mum was working outside of the home, I was taken care of by our next door neighbour who was of Zulu ancestry. All my life I have been drawn to those of African origin and I'm sure it is because this incredibly kind and beautiful inside-and-out woman spoke into my life as a little girl.
ReplyDeleteGreat analogy, Terilyn. I read the book and saw the movie, and agree that the blessing spoken over the little girl was potent. May each of us speak words of blessing over someone who needs to hear them. And listen to the words of affirmation the Holy Spirit speaks to us!
ReplyDeleteTerilyn,
ReplyDeleteI saw the movie and was so moved by it along with you, especially those beautiful life-affirming words.
And, how many times have I, too, been blessed to know that the dear Holy Spirit is He who comes alongside and walks with me.
Beautiful posting!
Thank you to everyone that read my posting and gave such lovely comments. I am blessed that you were blessed!!
ReplyDeleteI agree--that scene IS incredibly powerful, especially in contrast to the lack of affirmation the little girl receives from her mother. A good reminder to me that I need to be more encouraging, even in little ways. Isn't that what God wants from us?
ReplyDelete