Writer's Wednesday -- Henri Nouwen

I am increasingly aware of home much we fearful, anxious, insecure human beings are in need of a blessing...

Let me first tell you what I mean by the word "blessing." In Latin, to bless is benedicere. The word "benediction" that is used in many churches means literally: speaking (dictio) well (bene) or saying good things of someone. That speaks to me, and I know how much you have the same need. Nowadays, we often say: "We have to affirm each other." Without affirmation, it is hard to live well. To give someone a blessing is the most significant affirmation we can offer. It is more than a word of praise or appreciation; it is more than pointing out someone's talents or good deeds; it is more than putting someone in the light. To give a blessing is to affirm, to say "yes" to a person's Belovedness. And more than that" to give a blessing creates the reality of which it speaks. There is a lot of mutual admiration in the world, just as there is a lot of mutual consideration. A blessing goes beyond the distinction between admiration or condemnation, bwteen virtues or vices, between good deeds or evil deeds. A blessing touches the original goodness of the other and calls forth his or her Belovedness.

-----Henri Nouwen, Life of the Beloved.