A Blessing presents a fresh, bold analysis of African American female leadership. An unapologetic look at our often-overlooked role in America's social, political, psychological and economic history, it is armed with data that should be empowering for today's "unicorns." The book offers a "playbook" to help Black unicorns "team up" and find innovative ways to support one another as they climb, what research shows, are lonely, stressful, jagged yet ultimately rewarding ladders of opportunity.
What is a blessing? Do you have to believe to receive one? Can you doubt while you pray? And can you extend grace to others while still desperately in need of it yourself? Once a week Episcopal priest Adrian Dannhauser stands outside her Manhattan church beside a chalkboard sign that reads "Ask me for a blessing (because God knows you need one)." Passersby stop, chat, and ask for prayer: for a sick friend, an addicted son, an upcoming job interview, the state of our nation, or the grief of our world. Bus drivers sometimes open their doors for a quick prayer before the light turns green, and someone once took her to meet their doorman so she could bless him too. Half of those who stop are in crisis. Someone always cries. A few are simply curious. Through the heartfelt, frank, and sincere stories of her unique ministry, Dannhauser offers glimpses into the tender, holy, and sometimes hilarious moments of sidewalk prayers. With a potent blend of reverence and irreverence, as well as insights from Christian scriptures, she delves into the power that ancient ideas--blessing, forgiveness, miracles, and prayer--hold in a disenchanted world. For people of Christian faith, other faiths, or no faith at all, having spiritual conversations, even awkward ones with strangers on the street, can help us face our vulnerability, where we may discover a grace sufficient for all.
Modern-day takes on age-old recipes for challah, holiday breads, and everyday family breads from Ashkenazi, Sephardic, North African, and Near Eastern traditions, interwoven with joyous family stories, wise folktales, proverbs, and prayers.
Blessed are they who have the gift of making friends, for it is one of God's best gifts. It involves many things, but above all, the power of going out of one's self and appreciating whatever is noble and loving in another.
Something wonderful and life-changing has been happening at Michael W. Smith's concerts. Recently he began closing the evening with a simple prayer of blessing woven from Scripture. The response has been overwhelming. The emails and letters of testimony are like nothing he has ever experienced in his 25 years of ministry. Far from being a 'magical' formula for extracting wealth and possessions from God, he has discovered that God's blessings are measured more by the flourishing of character in adversity than by the flourishing of stuff. The amazing result of God's true blessing is overflowing joy and peace. Unfortunately, many are robbed of the promise of blessing because they seek to be blessed more than to bless others. This beautiful work, written with writer Thomas Williams, will inspire readers to examine their hearts and learn to experience God's blessing as they seek to bless others, thus discovering the secret to drawing near to the heart of God.
"Celebrates the bond between grandparents and grandchildren and teaches little ones an important lesson about recognizing all of God's blessings"--Back cover.
Autism and blessing, these are two words not usually spoken in the same breath. When you think of autism: struggle, disability, hopelessness, fear, and grief may be the first words that come to mind. Autism is a Blessing by Patty Corrigan Myers is a book of hope. It is a story about a mother's personal struggle to overcome and answer all of the questions autism so aggressively throws in her family's face. Interlaced with testimonials from other families and friends who have a child with autism, this book stunningly illustrates the fact that those who deal with autism are never alone. Through this family's triumph, you will learn the important and clear steps to take once an autism diagnosis is given, and learn, as they have, that truly Autism is a Blessing. Patty Myers has a way of communicating her experience in realistic terms. She allows us to see the real her-the pain, the love, the depression, the hope, and in return we see ourselves in the same situation. -Troy Schmidt Author/Screenwriter of the Hermie & Friends series Patty's life has been a testimony of the incredible mercy and faithfulness of God. I have no doubt that this book will richly encourage those, like Patty, who are struggling with the many challenges and mysteries of autism. -Basyle 'Boz' Tchividijian, Esq. Executive Director, GRACE Grandson of Dr. Billy Graham Patty Corrigan Myers is the mother of two, and a wife of 18 years. Her son, Charlie, was diagnosed with autism at age three. She has a degree in psychology from King College, and is currently working on her certification for behavior analysis. Patty currently reaches out to inform others of autism through PTA, the Autism Society of Greater Orlando, and educating families on IDEA law.
Utilizing the techniques of narratology and literary analysis, this study examines the foundational biblical text of Genesis to develop the theology of ordinary human work that emerges from it. The study offers a history of Christian theologies of human work as well as a unique approach to both the topic of work and the literary structure of Genesis. The emerging concept of blessing rather than achievement provides a refreshing and yet practical approach to human work. This is a valuable complement to the current interest in this topic, and one that, although challenging some current concepts, is encouraging.
