When I read the Bible, I tend to speed past verses like the ones that open the letter of Jude. In my hurry to get to stories, examples, and instruction, I miss something significant: blessings. With great love and compassion, Jude names his readers as called, loved, and kept. He prays God’s mercy, peace, and love over them before giving them instruction or encouragement. Today, such blessings are a lost art. We may experience something similar to Jude’s opening benediction during a church service, ministry meeting, or time of prayer, but we rarely speak or write such sentiments in our daily interactions with others.  
 
I am curious about this change in our culture. Why did such a prevalent, loving tradition practically disappear? How would our relationships change today if blessings were a starting point? I don’t know the answers, but imagining myself as a soul-filled recipient of Jude’s blessing makes me want to explore this ancient practice.  
 
So, dear reader, I write this blessing to you, to God on behalf of you, from my heart that knows the deep aches of insecurity.  
 
To the brave, faithful, and wholly loved women who say, “yes,” to the hard calling of following Christ into the unknown, even when it means enduring long periods of struggles with confidence and wondering if you are enough: 
 
May you be unified with others by the collective responsiveness to your calling. When you feel unsure, may God’s flowing peace wash away any seductive lies from Satan, usher you to new ground, and fill the empty spaces in your soul with His assurance. 
 
May you find community in unexpected ways and places. When there is no way, may God fill your mind with images of water walls made from the parted Jordan River and the security of new ground that once seemed impossible. 

May you trade your expectations for the promises of God. When everything in you wants to scream, “this is not how it is supposed to be,” may the Lord give you eyes like Caleb, the vision of His promises fulfilled. 
 
May you feel assured. When The Accuser says you are not enough, may you feel like Moses must have felt when God answered his question, “Who am I to bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” by simply saying, “I am with you.” 
 
May God be your confidence, in this moment, throughout today, and always.