The Power of Word Pictures in Blessing Our Children

In the Bible, we find numerous examples of blessings linked to vivid word pictures. Take Psalm 128, for instance, where we encounter the image of a wife as a fruitful vine and children like olive shoots gathered around the table. “Thus is the man who is blessed by the Lord.” This verse paints a beautiful picture of a blessed family sharing a meal. Blessings to our children can also be like these ‘word pictures,’ offering precision and concreteness in our communication. In our modern times, visual communication is highly effective, as evident in advertisements. So, why not employ this approach to ensure our words are remembered down the line? It can be challenging to recall these words later, so attaching a picture to them helps convey our feelings more effectively.

Let’s explore a vivid example from our patriarchs, Isaac and Jacob, as they blessed their children:

Genesis 49:22-26 – Jacob’s Blessing to Joseph: “Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine near a spring, whose branches climb over a wall.”

Genesis 27:27-28 – Isaac’s Blessing to Jacob (disguised as Esau): “See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed! May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth.”

When you know your child excels in sports, you may describe them as a champion and an overcomer. Similarly, a child with leadership skills can be spoken of as a leader and a passionate individual eager to take on challenges. For a child gifted in writing, a word picture of a pen could be used. It’s crucial to identify what makes them unique and to acknowledge their potential. A child aspiring to be a physician may benefit from a word picture of applying a band-aid as a comforter or healer, encouraging them on their journey.

Words, especially those communicated to our children, carry significant power. Word pictures are potent tools for shaping a child’s self-worth and emotional well-being. Positive and affirming words help foster a healthy self-image and a positive outlook on life