The Blessing [Mass Market Paperback]

Gary Smalley (Author), John Trent (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1990

Brian spent a lifetime seeking his father's approval. His father wanted him to be the best and the brightest, and Brian tried - desperately! When his father lay dying, Brian rushed to his bedside to plead one last time, "Please say you love me, please!"

We all have a powerful need to know that someone in this world loves us and accepts us unconditionally. We especially crave our parents' blessing, and without it, we may become angry and driven, or detached and empty. We may also feel this hurtful lack between brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, or even within our religious congregation.

Now family counselors Gary Smalley and John Trent, Ph.D., show us how we can transform our lives - even when it is no longer possible to receive our parents' blessing. They reveal the five key elements of the blessing, describe the most common home situations where a blessing has been denied (one of them may be ours), and offer practical, effective methods to heal broken hearts and families. Most important, they explain how we can be a blessing, and pass on that life-changing gift to our love ones.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Blessing is about being happy yourself and making the people around you happy...If you are anxious for an examination of the parent-child relationship, this book may be a blessing for you." -- Jacksonville Sun-Times

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books; Reprint edition (November 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671737430
• ISBN-13: 978-0671737436
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (119 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #368,388 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Authors, A-Z > ( S ) > Smalley, Gary
  • #45 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Parenting & Families > Family Relationships > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life changing!, July 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Blessing (Mass Market Paperback)

If you have a difficult time consistently being sensitive to your spouse, children, relatives, and friends, this is a must read. Smalley and Trent masterfully tie Christian values to modern psychology. The attributes of "meaningful touch, spoken message, expressing high value, special future and active commitment" are the elements that we see in the gospels that impress us about Christ the most. These attributes also tend to be the most difficult to maintain in character. The book helps us to see that how we were raised has an ABSOLUTE influence on how we are today, without blameshifting the responsibility on our family. This helps the reader not wane between psychology and faith where in most cases, the tendency is to blame it all on the past or to ignore and bear it. As a minister, I have recommended this book to my congregation. It will change not just the outward action of love towards those closest to you, but it will change the internal motive, which is what every reader desires the most. The best thing about the blessing, is that it hits home (your childhood), and helps it (your home) get built on right foundations.

This is my 3rd purchase of it. If you want to receive and be a blessing, order now!!

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for every parent, July 23, 2000

By 

"speckledtrout" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Blessing (Mass Market Paperback)

Children are begging for acknowledgement from their parents and most of us don't recognize it. This book gives a you an understanding of the most important thing a parent can give to their child.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for teachers and parents, August 13, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Blessing (Mass Market Paperback)

This is one of the most outstanding books I'v ever read. As a (beginning fifth year) Bible Theology student I have to read many books on many subjects. This is one of the most prized books of my collection and a "must read" for parents and teachers. Don't let this one get away!