The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance

I first read this, borrowed from a friend, who selfishly wanted it back!;) Then I couldn't find it anywhere and I desperately wanted to own it. Finally, I located a copy, rained on, wrinkled, battered and sore, in a used book store and immediately bought it. I read and re-read its bruised but valuable pages. And more selfishly than my friend, I don't loan it out at all. Everyone needs this in their home library. Tell your kids not to read it to make sure they sneak into it and receive their own blessing. This is a wonderful gift to anyone who has grown up in "modern" America and needs to get past the sound bytes that define our lives. It will make you cry. It will make you grow. It will allow you to move on. Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing this book.

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!!

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.

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!

If you are an Adult Child of an Alcoholic, or grew up in any sort of dysfunctional family, this book can help you come to terms with why you are the way you are, and why your parents are the way they are. This book is not about dwelling on the past, for not only can you gain an understanding of why your parents were dysfunctional, but you can move beyond that and learn how to bless your parents (and others). This book was a blessing to me, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to grow personally, and in their relationship with Christ.