For this weekends Sunday post I’m introducing you to a friend of mine and letting her share with you. She blogs at Towngirl and she’s one of my best friends. She has 3 boys and a tiny daughter who is just adorable. Her boys are turning into amazing young men, and she’s sharing today about what they decided to do for their oldest as he becomes a man. I think you will be blessed by this!
The following is written by Towngirl
Bar Barakah means “Son of the Blessing”. Many traditions and cultures have a rite of passage; some at a certain age, others at a point of maturation determined by the parents. Boys need to be called into manhood and girls need to be called into womanhood. Jesus received a blessing from his Heavenly Father in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, after Jesus was baptized and the Holy Spirit descended on Him, God said, “This is my son, in whom I am well pleased.” Men, especially young men, long to hear their earthly fathers say, “I love you, I’m proud of you, I’m pleased with you”.
Through our studying we realized men who are very successful in life surround themselves with other successful people. We wanted to choose mentors for [our son] in very specific areas. We chose the areas of relationships, finance, work ethics, chivalry, and ministry. Then we spent time praying and asking God to show us men whom [our son] already had some connection with who were strong in these areas. God was very gracious and soon we had a list. [My Husband] contacted each of the men and gave them time to also pray about this. We knew we were asking for a big commitment, to meet with [our son] on a regular and ongoing basis, and to mentor him in a specific area. We received affirmation from each of the men God laid on our hearts. These men became known as his Council.
The Bar Barakah is the blessing but [Craig S] Hill (author of the book “Bar Barakah”) suggests parents make as big a deal of this as a graduation or a wedding. Children need to know that you value this time and you are willing to make an investment for them. [My husband] thought it was important for [our son] to be very involved in the planning so that he knows what party planning entails. When they met on Wednesday nights they began to discuss details. [Our son] chose one of our ministers to officiate the ceremony alongside Dan, colors, the menu, venue, helped design invitations, made the guest list, and helped make many other decisions.
It was a very special day and I believe [our son] felt loved, special, and blessed.
This is a condensed version – Towngirl shares many more details and photos on her blog – I’d like for you to go over there and read the whole thing, you will be blessed by it. Read her thoughts and feelings as the mother of a son who is becoming a man. Read the details of the planning, the day, and the love put into this. I love the deep caring and concern for their son, the planning, prayer, and preparation put into this. The outpouring of love and commitment from a community of people following Jesus, to support and nurture this family, this son, to prepare him for life as an adult, and a disciple of the Lord.
Have a Blessed Sunday.
Jill
<3 <3 <3 Thanks for the feature, Jill! And your sweet words & encouragement! I just love how God brought us together a long, long time ago sitting around at swim lessons 🙂
🙂 So fun to see how God works things in our lives! Love you my friend!
She is an amazing mom!
She is that, Melanie!