The last book I read before this was The Blessing by John Trent. We all, whether adult or child, want to know we are treasured by someone. The Blessing illustrated how to accomplish that through five different venues: meaningful touch, a spoken message, attaching high value to the individual, dreaming with and believing in him or her about a very special future God has for him/her, and a commitment to bestowing the blessing. Using Biblical truths and stories of Jesus' life on earth, Trent paints us a vivid picture of the changed lives that are a result of such a blessing.
Not necessarily listed as a sequel, A Place Called Blessing by John Trent and Annnette Smith tells the story of an orphan named Josh, who grew up in the foster care program and a children's home, separated from his two brothers for most of his life. Josh never felt the unconditional love we all long for and lived with the guilt of a horrible accident he was responsible for at the age of six. Because of the accident, he was deemed unadoptable. His childhood experiences left him feeling worthless, flawed, and without the ability to trust anyone. When Josh is released from the state system at age 18, he is determined to find a job but doesn't find that an easy task and is forced to sleep wherever he can find a dry place and living off very little food to eat. However, in his search for a job, he meets Anna and Mike who show him the love he thought couldn't exist. Anna and Mike display the traits Trent explains in The Blessing, giving the reader concrete examples of how to apply the principles to your own life. A Place Called Blessing also includes questions for thought and discussion, several questions on each chapter and a special message from Mr. Trent. Trent seems to have had a similar experience as Josh growing up.
I started this book at bedtime and I couldn't put it down. Rarely do I read a book in one day but this is one that grabbed my attention. I couldn't wait to see if Josh would allow Anna, Mike, and God to change his life. While the story is somewhat predictable, I was taken quite by surprise toward the end. Whether for pleasure, as a book club book, or as a follow-up to The Blessing, I would highly recommend this book which is available on Amazon.com, christianbook.com, or your local Christian bookstore.
