The Blessing [Paperback]

John Trent (Author), Gary Smalley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 14, 2004

Explains how the biblical gift of "the blessing" is the key to one's self-worth and emotional well-being.

Every human needs the gift of "the blessing"—the unconditional love and approval that comes from a healthy relationship with one's parents. In this update to the best-selling classic The Blessing, coauthors John Trent and Gary Smalley offer a fresh perspective on this life-changing gift with solid, practical advice on how to be a blessing as well as how to insure that your parents, spouse, and children all feel the security of family approval.

The Blessing powerfully communicates biblical truths on how to instill self-worth and emotional well-being into others based on these five essential elements:

• Meaningful touch
• A spoken message
• Attaching high value
• Picturing a special future
• An active commitment

No matter the age, the approval of our parents affects how we view ourselves and how we relate to others. So what if we've missed it? The final chapters explain what happens to children who do and how they can learn to live apart from the blessing.

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 --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

About the Author

 Dr. Gary Smalley, one of the foremost experts on family relationships, has written or cowritten more than sixty books and thirty-five videos, selling more than six million copies. With more than forty years of experience, he is a best-selling and award-winning author and has appeared on hundreds of local and national radio and television shows. He and his wife, Norma, have been married more than forty five years and have three grown children, all in full-time ministry.

Dr. John Trent is president of StrongFamilies.com and founder of The Institute for the Blessing at Barclay College. John is a sought-after speaker and an award-winning author of more than twenty books, including six books for children. He has been a featured guest on numerous radio and television programs and leads The Blessing Challenge, a joint partnership with Focus on the Family and StrongFamilies.com. John and his wife, Cindy, have two grown daughters, Kari and Laura.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson; Rev Upd edition (July 14, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785260846
• ISBN-13: 978-0785260844
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (127 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #107,626 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 59 people found the following review helpful

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

By A Customer

Format: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!!

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful

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

By "speckledtrout"

Format: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]

Format: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!