DADFIRMATIONS is a collection of affirmations, inspired by, and written for, young men who need empowerment and motivation as they truly discover who they are and the value that lies deep within. Written by a father to his son, this collection of letters is for more than just young boys. It is a collection of principles and tools that are foundational and formative to the identity of any and every man, regardless of age.
Dadfirmation 4: I don’t have to be perfect, but I will strive for excellence!
Son, no one is perfect. We all make mistakes. In fact, our imperfections are what make us uniquely human. It’s something we cannot get away from. No matter how hard we try, we may never reach perfection in certain things. I’m not trying to sound sad, but I am trying to give hope and encouragement, knowing that perfection is not always the goal, but striving for excellence is.
What is the goal then? A commitment to excellence! In everything you do you should give your best effort and always put your best foot forward. I remember growing up and my mom telling me that she never wanted the top grade in school, or the best performance on stage, but she always said that I must do my best. Famous football coach, Vince Lombardi, once said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” This means that you may not ever be perfect, but you can strive for and reach excellence. Excellence is achieved when you do your best!
That’s what is expected in everything you do. Have a focused mindset in doing your best. Your best is the pathway to excellence. You have the tools within you. Now go and do your best in ALL things!
Dadfirmation 6: God uses imperfect people and imperfect situations to carry out a perfect plan.
Son, God cares! God is omnipotent, meaning: all powerful. God is omnipresent, meaning everywhere all the time. God is omniscient, meaning that God knows everything! Yes, God sees everything, knows everything, and can control everything. And most importantly, God cares for you!
This affirmation is to encourage you to know that no matter what, God has your back. God has your best interest in mind. Things happen in life that may not seem good or may seem to hurt us. Some things in life just happen and we just don’t understand why. But I promise you that everything will work out if you just trust God.
The Bible teaches us that “ALL things work together for the good of those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.” That means EVERYTHING in the universe is working together to make sure you are alright. If the creator is on your side, then ALL of creation is too! God is thinking about you just like your family, friends. Actually, he thinks about you and loves you even more than me! And you know I love my boy! Lol
So remember! Everything will be alright because God has your back! Love you!
Stanley E. Johnson, Jr. is currently the Director of Worship Studies and Adjunct Professor for Cornerstone College of Virginia in Fredericksburg, Virginia. In this role Johnson leads the college in worship related initiatives and curriculum development. Johnson is also the CEO and Founder of The AJS Group, LLC based in Richmond, Virginia. In this role he leads his company to publish family books, provide worship consultation for churches throughout the country, render leadership development, strategic planning and workshop coordination. He is also a Gospel Artist and ordained minister, Johnson, has been recognized as the recipient of the 2012 Gospel Blue MIC Award for Album of The Year for “Beyond Me,” and the 2016 Gospel Blue MIC Award for Video of the Year for Trading Chains.”
Stanley earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Winston-Salem State University and a Master of Divinity from Wake Forest University’s School of Divinity. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Stanley’s long term research interests include exploring new innovative pedagogies for emerging students in higher education as it relates to the growing concerns of generational engagement in light of the evolving technological advancements – primarily as it relates to Generation Z and the generation that follows. Stanley aspires to use qualitative approaches to understand perspectives and frames of reference as it relates to stakeholders within these settings.
Stanley’s most prized title is being called Dad. He is the proud father of Jaiden and Ashlynn Johnson.
