At each of our One Day with God (ODWG) Camps, one of the most profound moments is the Father’s Blessing. While we don’t see much that much in our culture, it’s certainly biblical, being seen in the lives of the patriarchs. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob each set this timeless example, bestowing formal blessings upon their children—blessings that carried not just material promises but deep spiritual and emotional significance. Jacob even extended this honor to his grandchildren, underscoring the far-reaching impact of a father’s words and actions.
For the fathers at our camps, many of whom have struggled with strained or nonexistent relationships with their fathers, the challenge is clear: How does one give what they have never received? How can they pass on a blessing when they may have felt cursed by the absence of their father’s love?
The Biblical narrative of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 27:1-40) illuminates the profound importance of a father’s blessing. Esau, who once impulsively traded his birthright—a privilege that included a double portion of inheritance and family leadership—for a simple meal, later faced a far more devastating loss.
Through the deceit of his younger brother, Jacob, Esau was denied the blessing that was rightfully his, a blessing that represented his father’s favor, his future, and his place within the family. The weight of this loss left Esau grieved and embittered, a stark reminder of the power held in a father’s words.
Today, the love and approval conveyed through a father’s blessing are just as critical. It provides emotional security, reinforces a child’s identity, and fosters a deep sense of belonging within the family. The impact of a father blessing his child is something neither will ever forget.
At our camps, we model the Father’s Blessing on Friday to the dads, where they first receive the blessing themselves. The next day, they have the opportunity to pass this blessing on to their children. The first day, as we witness these men, dressed in their prison uniforms, step forward with vulnerability and authenticity is deeply moving. It is a testament to the honesty and courage required to break generational cycles.
The Father’s Blessing imparts three essential messages: love, worth, and belonging. With hands placed firmly on their child’s shoulders (the power of touch), looking them directly in the eyes, these fathers speak life into their children: “I love you,” “I’m proud of you,” and “I’m so glad you are part of my family.” Love, value and belonging! The Father’s Blessing is then sealed with a hug or a kiss on the cheek, a simple yet profound act that binds the heart of the child to the father.
At Forgiven Ministry, we encourage all dads, no matter how bruised and broken their past may be, to embrace the responsibility and privilege of passing on a blessing. In doing so, they begin to rewrite their family’s story, laying a foundation of love, worth, and belonging that will endure for generations.
In closing, I want to express my gratitude to Joe McDonald, a dedicated volunteer and advocate for Forgiven Ministry. Joe has provided invaluable clarity on the structure and profound significance of this essential aspect of our ODWG Camp experience. The title of this blog is also a result of Joe’s insights. Joe, thank you for your wisdom and steadfast commitment to helping men become better fathers.
May the message of the power of a father’s words spread far and wide.
You are loved!
Les
