I’ve always felt uneasy when someone says, “I am so blessed,” or “I feel blessed.” The statements seem off somehow. The context infers divine intervention or anointment.
Maybe it’s just me, but after hearing those comments all my life, they seem increasingly used in today’s selfish society. Then it hit this septuagenarian. That was my answer to the dilemma.
To utter the words “I am blessed” focuses on the person, not on the blessing the individual received. I understand they are happy, but it’s not about you, them, or me.
I know people are expressing praise and joy for something positive in their life that has happened. Take an automobile accident, for example.
A person posts on social media a photo of their totaled vehicle, but they were able to walk away with only minor or even no injuries. Yet, they espouse being blessed. What about the person or persons in the other car who were critically injured or didn’t make it? They, indeed, weren’t blessed, regardless of who caused the crash.
So, if people are glad they survived, were healed, or have a dozen grandchildren, why don’t they express gratitude instead of their blessedness? Doing so keeps the focus on the action, not the human.
I know it seems like I’m splitting hairs on this one. But given that I’m bald, I don’t think so. I want to hear an individual, group, or corporation keep the light on the goodness, joy, or success they experienced, not on themselves.
After all, too many others in the same situation have adverse outcomes. A mother celebrates the birth of twins on social media with the “I am so blessed” mantra while another silently mourns her stillborn child. Both deserve appropriate compassion.
In the U.S., the holiday season starts with Thanksgiving. It would be marvelous if we all expressed our gratitude for all we have and were willing to share some of it with the least, the last, and the lost.
Doing so would wonderfully bless those without the same opportunities as the givers. That way, we can collectively express our elation through our gratitude instead of through our ego.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
© Bruce Stambaugh 2023
Roadkill Crossing 
Bruce, can you hear our loud AMEN from over here in VMRC? Thanks much for your words here; and we are GRATEFUL always to get your column. Keep on Keeping On from two very grateful people – Ken Seitz and Audrey Metz
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Thank you so much, Audrey and Ken. These words mean a lot coming from the two of you.
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I hear you too! Gratefully.
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Hi, Bruce! I’d be glad to have some conversation about this. I often
say “I am blest”, meaning that God has enabled me to experience
something great; outside of MY efforts or anything I’ve done or
deserved. What’s your counsel for me? How best ascribe to the Lord a
word of praise or thanks, recognizing HIM as the giver (without
sermonizing!!)
Thanks, my brother!……………….Eldon
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How about saying, “I am so grateful to be blessed by…?”
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so well said
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Thank you, beth.
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I appreciate the way you have expressed this conundrum so well. I have long felt uncomfortable at claiming to be blessed such as by my wife’s surviving cancer, when we know of some people with the same condition and treatment who died. I am truly grateful that she survived but don’t want to claim anything that would increase other’s grief.
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Thank you so much, Herb, for this example. It perfectly models what I meant. Thanksgiving blessings to you and your family.
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