"A LOVING LETTER FROM GOD: Your Patriarchal Blessing," by Garry H. Boyle, Cedar Fort, $13.99, 167 pages (nf)
Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brings many blessings and gifts, but perhaps one of the most personal and precious blessings is that of a patriarchal blessing.
No matter what a person's background, race, gender or education, all are faced with a human question: What is my unique and specific purpose? We may also wonder about our talents, our trials, our needs and our future.
Author and patriarch Garry H. Boyle explains in his recent book, “A Loving Letter from God: Your Patriarchal Blessing,” that any worthy member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can receive personal revelation in the form of a patriarchal blessing to help give direction as he or she charts a life course. Boyle likens a patriarchal blessing to a personal letter from God to offer guidance, comfort or warnings.
Boyle points to a talk by President Thomas S. Monson, then second counselor in the First Presidency, from the October 1986 general conference, titled, “Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light.” In the talk, President Monson shares “a patriarchal blessing is a revelation to the recipient, even a white line down the middle of the road, to protect, inspire and motivate activity and righteousness. A patriarchal blessing literally contains chapters from your book of eternal possibilities."
Clearly written, Boyle's “A Loving Letter from God: Your Patriarchal Blessing” explains what constitutes a patriarchal blessing by language, possibilities, warnings, gifts, the Abrahamic covenant and more. Boyle also includes stories and testimonies from latter-day prophets along with experiences from people and have received their blessing who have questions or concerns.
Boyle takes great care to explore and address doubts about the blessings through personal accounts, scriptures and examples. Boyle also dedicates a chapter in the book to how to receive the full benefits from gifts, blessings and promises that may be given.
“A Loving Letter from God: Your Patriarchal Blessing” is an insightful and valuable read for those who have received their patriarchal blessing and desire to learn about personal eternal possibilities.
Emily Johnson enjoys geek life. She's currently figuring out life in the wild blue yonder of Texas.