The definition of the word blessing is to be in God’s favor and protection. Each person, in and of themselves is in God’s favor and protection, and thus is a blessing to the world. Some form of the word ‘bless’ appears in the Bible over 500 times, signifying the importance of that favor and protection promised by God. One way to strengthen your relationship with God is to consider all the blessings you experience each day through God’s love and compassion. The care of self, through God’s blessing, empowers you to share your blessings with the world.

As we pass through these difficult times as a ministry, we are committed to our mission to be the compassionate presence of Jesus to one another. We remember that Jesus called for people to love their neighbors as themselves. Jesus also recognized the importance of love of self. This love invites each of us to reflect on how we care for ourselves. One way to care for self is through practices that promote joy. Joy is a deep, abiding appreciation and acceptance of God’s love for us, a love that brings peace, gratitude, and hope, even in times of adversity and loss. This activity promotes practices to increase joy in our lives.

As we respond to COVID-19 as a ministry, we are committed to our mission to be the compassionate presence of Jesus to one another. We remember that Jesus called for people to love their neighbors as themselves. Jesus recognizes the importance of love of self. This invites each of us to reflect on how we care for ourselves. One way to care for self is through practices of resilience. Resilience is our capacity to persevere through adversity. This activity promotes practices to increase this capacity.