Book Review: The Blessing

I recently had the opportunity to read and review the revised and updated edition of The Blessing by John Trent and Gary Smalley.  The Blessing is a parenting book unlike any other parenting book I have bought or read before.  I didn't find any chapter titles to turn to that address my whining child, my disobedient toddler or my over-achieving firstborn child.  Instead I found myself evaluating my words and actions toward my children.  The lessons I found within the pages of this book are far more practical and valuable than anything I have read previously.  The lessons within this book are lessons for a lifetime. The steps within this book can help me to create a lasting legacy for my children and the generations to follow.


John Trent and Gary Smalley describe their perceptions of the importance of the blessing based on biblical examples of the blessing.  They describe in detail the five elements of the blessing which include: meaningful touch, a spoken message, attaching high value, picturing a special future and an active commitment.  They provide help and healing for those who may have missed the blessing and offer a challenge to their readers to begin living the blessing challenge and pouring into our children's hearts our blessing over them.  The book offers additional resources and online tools to assist readers in living the blessing challenge.


I am excited to recommend this book to friends.  The information contained in this book is hopeful, helpful and encouraging along the often daunting task of parenthood.  

I received this book for free from Booksneeze.com for the purpose of this review.