A Family Blessing
We are getting ready for our youngest son Caleb’s wedding on Friday January 6th. Caleb and Caitlin are such are blessing already to the Baldwin family.
At the rehearsal dinner we want to give Caleb and Caitlin the gift of some blessings to read and receive as they get ready for their big day and new beginning. We are asking the wedding party (including family members) to write them a short blessing in a card or short letter for them to read as they relax after the rehearsal. The Hebrew word for Blessing (Barak) is one of the most important words in the Bible used over 640 times in the OT alone.
It’s purpose was to clarify direction in life, unify the purpose of life, provide protection from life, and to help in the growth and maturity process. Simply put, to bless was to provide significance and security (worth and wisdom)
God’s nature is to bless, and nothing is greater than God’s nature…therefore whatever comes your way, can be a pathway toward a blessing from God. What a special gift!
In the OT, a father would bless his children by laying his hands upon them, and speaking messages of support and encouragement. Giving direction, purpose, and protection. We must see all that happens to us as a blessing…the hand of God upon us…
God’s design for this to be accomplished is through a family touch and a family blessing…with words, hugs, and prayers.
For the “fruit flavored family” these blessings can be shared any time that they are needed. Plan your blessing and give it to your family.
Pastor Gary and Sheryl:
ReplyDeleteAs a mother I too remember the day my only living son was married to one of my greatest blessing, a saved and obedient woman name Regina. A wonderful woman wrapped in a heart filled with love for God and my son. So, now if that’s how I feel about her you can only imagine how my son must feel.
My son waited until the age of 36 (God’s timing) before getting married for the first time and prayerfully it will be for the duration of their vows.
It has been a little more than 4 years since that day and he refers to his wife as a blessing and a great woman of God that inspires him and that he is in awe that God has blessed him with her.
To date they have are facing many heartfelt challenges in the past 16 months when their first child (Sarah Elaine Johnson) was born 3 months premature with mom and baby in grave danger. They have endured 2 brain surgeries for Sarah, both parents loss of jobs and in just a few days eye surgery for Sarah Elaine. But through it all I have had the privilege of watching two people walk day by day as one thanking God daily every little blessing.
A family blessing, YES! There is no greater joy than watching the love of God blossom and sustain two hearts beating as one. (Baby makes two). I praise God for the blessing and for Regina, Kenneth and Sarah Elaine.
For one to bestow a blessing or extend blessings says to me that you are offering to that person your love and acceptance. Put in another way, it could serve as a sign of affirmation. Blessings can remind us there’s power and importance in spoken words. The bestowing of family blessings to our loved ones shows recognition of that person or persons being valuable. And just as God always communicated His blessings through spoken words, so can we too communicate family approval.
ReplyDeleteI am reminded of how in the very beginning, God spoke and the world came into being (Genesis 1:3). When God sent His Son to communicate His love and complete His plan of salvation, it was His Word that “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).
Blessing our children affirms that he or she is loved and appreciated and undoubtedly have a promising future. Family blessings share hopes and prayers for your children.