#Blessed.

It's a loaded word. And not just for the young, hip instagram crowd, trying to somewhat normalize their public displays of the ideal life.

We are in the deep south. How many times have we made jokes about knowing what "bless your heart" actually means?

I think we can all agree it is a loaded word. It probably became a loaded word because it is a complicated word. No place better shows and deals with the complexities of blessings like the classic section of scripture called "The Beatitudes" found in Matthew's gospel.

One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,[a] for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,[b] for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. Matthew 5:1-12

So we are going to take the time to talk about blessings. And here is the thing…blessings are supposed to be good, they aren't as restrictive as we might think they are, and they are something to desire and work towards. So let's have that conversation.