Blessing
“I will make of you a great nation and will bless you. I will make your name respected, and you will be a blessing.” ~ Genesis 12:2
It took me a moment to recognize this holy moment, occurring in the midst of ordinary.
I had just settled my first newborn grandchild into my eldest son’s lap when Uncle Justin did the unexpected.
He gently laid his hand on top of his niece’s little head and prayed aloud: “Lord, we give this child to You and pray that one day she will know You and follow You. Jesus, bless little Saoirse. Protect her. And help her grow up to be a strong woman of God. Amen.”
A blessing.
His father (the pastor) and his mother (the Christian author) had not yet performed such an act. But Justin, known his whole life as one with differing abilities, proved to be wiser than us all. To welcome the newest member of the family, he chose to impart on her a blessing.
In the Old Testament a blessing (barak) often indicated a declaration of favor. Used more than 400 times in the Bible, a blessing is something that God is, does, or says that glorifies Him and edifies His people. God gave blessings freely to people, land, animals, and more. As those blessings were received, a natural response was to choose to then bless others.
We are blessed to be a blessing. How does that look in your life?
First we have to recognize and receive God’s blessings as gifts He bestows to us. Always due to His love.
Next, we must ask how we can turn these gifts into acts of blessing others. Throughout God’s Word we see countless incidents of fathers blessing their children or grandchildren. But uncles and aunts, teachers and mentors can also offer a kind of blessing that is much more than just sentimental well-wishing. Biblical blessings named both character strengths and weaknesses; even lifting up a hopeful future.
My son blessed his niece from a simple faith that wanted to lift her up before God.
Anyone can give a blessing. Pray about opportunities; ask God to guide you and give you the words and the gracious manner. He will do the rest.
BENEDICTION: My child, you are indeed a blessing to Me. And I have called you to go forth and bless others, lifting up to them what they could be and do through My power. Offer gentle words of encouragement and hope as you touch lives. In My name.
Every Blessing, Lucinda
“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity and Strength”
©2022 Lucinda Secrest McDowell www.LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 16 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” , “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most,” “God’s Purpose for You,” and “The Courage to Write.” (Purchasing my books here benefits me as an Amazon associate.) She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouraging words weekly at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Want to read all of the “Grace & Gratitude Summer Blogs”? Click HERE to read as each one goes live. These 14 weeks of blogs — adapted from Lucinda’s award-winning book “Ordinary Graces” — come out each Wednesday morning June 1st through August 31st. Thanks for reading. Click HERE to add your email to get blogs weekly in your in box.
What a moving story of Justin blessing Saoirse! I love this. Thanks for sharing, Cindy.
Thank you for this post and the encouragement
to bless others. God gives us opportunities to share what He gives us.