“Every person needs the blessing to feel truly loved and secure about himself or herself.” John Trent
by Peggy Burns, M.S., LMFT – CCC San Francisco, Center Director
We all long to be loved and accepted by others. Children especially yearn for their parents to celebrate them and strengthen their worth. As a counselor, I have seen the negative effects on adults who did not receive affirmations when they were young. They go through life struggling with feelings of low self-worth and they experience difficulties relating to those around them. Without receiving a needed blessing from at least one caregiver, one can be filled with the fears of failure, rejection, and struggle with the repeated thoughts they can never quite measure up.
In the book, “The Blessing” by Gary Smalley and John Trent, PhD the authors give five biblical elements to help build your children’s sense of worth and hope for their future. The five elements of “The Blessing” are featured below. (Used by permission from www.strongfamilies.com). When giving the blessing a child’s age will be an important factor to take into account as each blessing can only be successful when given in a way the other person can understand and receive it.
It is never too late to choose to give a blessing to your children. Blessings can also be given to adult friends and family. We should never underestimate that our words contain great power. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21 ESV) You can make positive changes in your family by speaking or writing blessings. A written blessing has the ability to be cherished for years to come and can be read over and over again.
When you make giving blessings a habit, you will begin to see the fruit of them flowing through your life.
Book Recommendation: The Blessing by John Trent, Ph.D. & Gary Smalley


Disclaimer: This article is intended as an educational resource only, and is not intended to be a replacement for treatment. For evaluation and treatment, please contact a qualified mental health professional.