I am grown now. I understand why I left the church at 16 yrs old. One of the pivotal moments was my patriarchal blessing. All my friends and siblings received uplifting, promising, blessings that talked about children, family, success. My blessing referred to Satan over a dozen times. No fluff, no promises, no hope. Just a road-map of failure. Really, I said? Not if I can help it!

My life has been rich and full, although I am plauged with a family that sees me as less, lost, take joy in my sorrow, accomplishments diminished. I tore up that blessing, and it helped me pave my way to a fuller, meaningful, beautiful life. I knew my progress hinged on forgiving them, for their shortsightedness, fear, inability to love, imprisoned in rhetoric, hate and shame. I mourn over relationships lost with sisters I held as babies, and sisters that held me as a baby.

Has anyone had a similar experience with a patriarchal blessing?

my Start Place is that ALL church rituals have 1 purpose:

to cement / hold captives in their place.