Words of Blessing

Recently I wrote Code Words about the words I associate with each of my children and how that helps me pray blessings over them. We used excerpts from that post a few weeks ago, when our church here in Arkansas did a joint baby blessing for Teddy and Samuel. It was a sweet occasion and a public statement of our desire to have our children grow up in the Lord.

Since then, I’ve also wanted to write some more about the act of giving a blessing. Many times in the Old Testament fathers (usually) pronounce blessings on their children, either at the child’s birth or when the father is just about to die.

It’s a practice that we don’t often do today. Even the recent increase of baby blessings at churches don’t usually mimic the act of giving a blessing in the way that the Old Testament does.

Even if people do speak words of blessing over their children, in my experience, it is rare to hear of spiritual mentors and leaders speaking words of blessing over a younger generation. It does happen, however, and when such powerful words are spoken, the outcomes can be faith-builders for all involved.

When I look back at my spiritual journey, I am so so thankful for the people who stepped up to speak words of blessing over me. Some of the people who were such an impact on my life, know that they were/are. Some people who have spoken words of blessing to me have no idea how their timely words shaped my life in a positive way.

I could write other posts about the harsh or critical words spoken to me. I remember vividly some cutting remarks said to me in my childhood. The words said in anger by people I love. The even off-hand comments that were said by strangers that were harsh or unnecessary.

Aren’t words so important and meaningful? I’m a talky person (or so I’ve been told!). I speak many words a day, most of which have little or no value (sadly, it’s true). Our words can be infused with such power–power to build up or tear down. So, why don’t we use them more and intentionally to bless instead of curse?

I know that speaking words of blessing over people can feel really awkward and unnatural since we are so unaccustomed to doing it regularly. We in the Body of Christ could–and should–do better.

First of all, I think one thing we can all do is start small when it comes to speaking words of blessing instead of curses. Why not infuse our every day speech with words of small blessing rather than words of negativity and discouragement? Here are a few ideas:

Next time you see me (or a mom like me) with three kids at the grocery store, how about you speak a word of blessing to me? Instead of “You sure have your hands full” (NOT A BLESSING!) how about say something like “Wow, God has blessed you with some beautiful children!” or “I know those children will continue to be a blessing to you!” How words like that could positively influence a young mother’s day!

Next time you see a newlywed couple all googly-eyed, how about you speak a word of blessing to them? Instead of “Just wait a few more years!” (NOT A BLESSING!) how about you say something like “No matter what happens, God will always be with you to help you keep your commitment to each other!” or “May God always bless your marriage with a deep love for each other!”

Next time someone serves you as your cashier, waitress, bank teller, etc., how about you speak a word of blessing to them? How about something like “Thank you for your service today. God bless you!” or “May God bless you for serving me today. Thank you!”

Now, I am going to get preachy, I know. #sorryNotSorry.

I really want to chastise the older generation– you aren’t speaking enough words of blessing to us young people! So, please start by dreaming big Kingdom dreams for us and not the American dream. I am really ashamed that so many adult Christians are more interested in their kids growing up to have big houses and high paying jobs than to be faithful followers of Jesus. If that statement stings a little–maybe it should.

What dreams are you dreaming for your children and grandchildren? Do you want them to get good grades, be the sports star, be full of talent so they can get a “good” job and make a lot of money? Why? What do you want them to do with all that money? Buy stuff? Then, what do you want them to do with all that stuff? Buy a big house to store it in?  If you are only dreaming the American dream of materialism for your kids and grandkids, your dreams are not dreams but curses. How will more money and more stuff lead your kids and grandkids to Christ?

Start dreaming Kingdom dreams for us. Give us the courage to step out of the American dream of materialism so that we can really follow our gifting for the glory of the Kingdom of God. Pray for us. Please take time and devote your energy into investing in us.

If you think it is your job to only speak blessings on your own children, you are wrong! There are people around you, who need your blessing desperately. Please, please start speaking words of blessing to the young people in the church right now where you attend. Choose one person to intentionally mentor and start speaking words of blessing to that person. Tell us specifically that you know God has big things planned for us. Then, help us figure out what those big things are and encourage us on our journey by walking with us.

Blessings should be personal. Preaching sermons at us or lamenting how the young generation is going to pot in front of us is NOT A BLESSING! Kids are always listening. Tell that young high school senior that you know he has the capability to be a strong leader in the Kingdom. Tell that junior high girl more than she is lovely— tell her you know she has a gift of service and leadership and that you are praying that she will consider being a missionary overseas. Tell those young sixth graders to start thinking about the gifts God has given them and how they can use those gifts to bring glory to God. Encourage the young adults to use their vocation –however they are gifted and in whatever job they have now–to be a beacon of light for Christ. Please, dream big Kingdom dreams for us and help us to reach them.

If you aren’t regularly speaking words of blessing to people, what are you speaking? How are you encouraging? If you don’t think it is your job to bless or encourage, who do you expect to do it?

If you think your words (or lack of words) don’t matter, they do. I promise. Where would I be had people not spoken words of blessings over me?