Dean Powery on the Holy Paradox of Being Blessed

Citing the preponderance of flashy photos on social media with the hashtag #blessed, Chapel Dean Luke A. Powery writes in his (Duke) Chronicle column, "I am glad people want to be blessed, but there is a paradox about who is truly blessed." Despite these images of sunny locations, fancy clothes, and inspirational quotes, Dean Powery says, "It is precisely those who suffer, who persevere against injustice, who lack riches—they are somehow closest to God’s blessing."

He gives examples from his own life of encountering this type of blessedness of the meek and poor in spirit—from an orphanage in Kenya to course he is teaching this semester at a local prison.

"The holy paradox of blessing is present even in a prison. Your body might be chained but your spirit can still be free," he writes in conclusion. "To be blessed is not about the things we possess but about the nature of our heart and character. Blessed are those who mourn over mass shootings. Blessed are the peacemakers in the face of violence and war. Blessed are the children without parents who dance and sing with joy. These are images of true blessing."

Read the article.