WHAT THEN WILL YOU DO?
HOW WILL YOU SHOW YOURSELF A MAN?
1. Make sure you are certain about the meaning of the word blessing. Look up the various forms of the word in the Bible and write down the verses that pertain to an older man or woman blessing a child or someone of the next generation. Scan for the concept in history, your ethnic or tribal history in particular. You might also read some of the better books that explore this concept from a biblical perspective.
2. Who is in a position to bless you? Your father, your tribal leader, the older males in your family, your spiritual mentors, or perhaps other relatives—all are possibilities. Keep in mind that mothers and other women in your life are candidates as well.
3. If a blessing is a passing on of the good in past generations, investigate the good elements of your family line, your tribe, your people. What is it you would like for a blessing to draw out of your people’s past?
4. Along with other men who form your “band of brothers,” craft a blessing ritual or ceremony. If your church already has a ritual of this kind, meet with your clergyman to see how it applies to your life. These rituals or ceremonies need not be highly complex, but should include a season of preparation, both extemporaneous and written declarations of blessing, witnesses, people designated to lay on hands and speak the blessing, and, finally, some type of commemorative object (a sword, a mug, grandfather’s tie clasp, dad’s army swagger stick, a kilt, a book, and so forth).