So the next generation may know...

This picture represents my favorite part of my daughter's wedding ceremony. The blessing. The bride and groom took communion together and lit the unity candle representing the two becoming one. They prayed together. Then they took their place in the middle of a tight knit circle of generations. The parents of the parents and the parents of the children. The siblings that have been there for all the ups and downs. The friends that are part of their inner circle. The pastors that have lead them and loved them. 

The fathers prayed over the children. Prayers of love and blessing. Bold prayers of protection. Collective prayers of hope for the future. Confident prayers for their life together. For their ministry. For their witness and for their testimony to remain strong together. Generations of redeemed people offering the same to the next.

Our families are far from perfect. But we all know the One that is. We joined two families into one. We agreed that the One that holds us will be praised into the next generation. We offered our prayers and our love and our blessing. Verbally by the fathers. Agreement from the rest. There is power in a blessing.

Whether you have generations of truth and blessing in your family or whether you are the first to offer that hope to the next generation, bless your children. Verbally. With boldness knowing the One who can fulfill those blessings. Words spoken over children matter. They are powerful. But the redeeming power of Jesus is more powerful. The blessings can start today. Pray over your children. Over your home. Over their future. Let the next generation know.

Share the stories. Pass on the traditions.

Embrace the memories and bury them in your heart.

Glean wisdom from the ones who came before you. Learn and listen.

Be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. The two grandfathers that looked on from a greater view were represented in the candles on each side.

Because there is Hope for the future wrapped up in the prayers of the past. 

Heartache and happiness. Lessons learned and passed on. Prayers offered and promised. A cord of Hope and of Blessings wrapped firmly around the next generation. By the Grace of God!

Praise God,  from Whom all blessings flow.

Praise Him, all creatures here below.

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Amen.