“My Patriarchal Blessing: God’s Guide to Building the Life I Hoped For,” Liahona, Aug. 2025.
From YA Weekly
My Patriarchal Blessing: God’s Guide to Building the Life I Hoped For
Every step I take is guided by my faith in the promises I received.
Growing up in Ghana, my journey through high school was fraught with obstacles.
Most high schools at that time required tuition, and my family struggled financially. My uncle graciously offered to support my education, allowing me to move in with him and continue my studies. However, financial difficulties were common, and my uncle could not always cover my fees. Failing to pay led to me being sent home, which unfortunately became my reality multiple times, along with other punishments.
In the midst of my struggles, I often felt disheartened as I watched other children with better opportunities. Yet these challenges became the backdrop for a transformative experience in my life.
While living with my uncle and his family, they introduced me to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They devoted time each week to home evening, scripture study, and daily prayer. After a year of attending church and seminary with them, at the age of 17, I made the sacred decision to be baptized.
Guided by My Patriarchal Blessing
Years later, while attending Sunday School, I learned about patriarchal blessings and felt an urgent need to receive one. The patriarch, Joseph William “Billy” Johnson, was a respected disciple in the Church community and was among Ghana’s first converts. I traveled two hours to request my blessing and returned a month later with an open heart to receive it.
During the blessing, I was overwhelmed as the patriarch spoke personal insights that resonated deeply within me, revealing a connection to my life that only God could know. I felt His love and assurance that I had a purpose. Each subsequent reading of my blessing emphasized God’s intimate knowledge of me and the divine work I was meant to accomplish.
I came to realize that God is deeply interested in our lives, that we are His children (see Romans 8:16) and have a divine purpose. This realization inspired me to keep my patriarchal blessing at the forefront of my mind, reminding me of the commandments and promises associated with it. My patriarchal blessing motivated my decision to serve a mission. This experience profoundly transformed my life, and I witnessed the blessings that the patriarch pronounced upon me materialize throughout my service.
Don’t Give Up
Upon returning from my mission, I was determined to follow the path laid out in my patriarchal blessing. Every step I took was guided by my faith in the promises I had received and my desire to see them fulfilled. I knew if I obeyed God and tried to live the way He wanted me to, He would guide me. Despite difficulties during college, I felt Heavenly Father strengthening me and leading me along.
To those struggling with education or navigating hardships (particularly in Africa), I empathize with you. I have walked that path. I understand the weight of uncertainty, but I implore you: Do not give up. The Lord is ever present, ready to assist you despite the trials you may face. As the Savior taught, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Help may come from unexpected sources—be it family, friends, or Church leaders—and I testify that the Lord inspires others to support His children. It’s essential to maintain faith in yourself and the potential that lies within you. With hard work and determination, you can overcome your circumstances.
My patriarchal blessing, a personal Liahona for my life, continually reminded me to look forward to better days. In Alma 37, the Liahona is described in such a beautiful way: “It did work for [Lehi’s family] according to their faith in God” (verse 40). This shows how our patriarchal blessings can guide us if we maintain our faith in the Lord’s promises.
While not all blessings may be realized in this life, we can have hope that some will manifest, and our faithful pursuit of righteous desires will lead us toward joy and fulfillment.
A Testament of Faith and Endurance
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that while life may not always be straightforward, trusting in Heavenly Father’s plan leads to personal miracles. When confronted with obstacles, I leaned into this truth and became fortified by faith. When we act in faith and make wise choices, the Lord prepares a path for us. Each time I felt overwhelmed or uncertain, I remembered this promise and was reminded that faith is key (see Matthew 17:20).
In moments of doubt, I often find myself reflecting on the encouragement found in reading my patriarchal blessing. It inspires me to press forward, knowing that every effort made in faith will not go unnoticed by the Lord.
When we keep our hearts open to inspiration, we will find that God is constantly providing opportunities for growth. As we conduct His work and build His kingdom, we are not alone.
As I continue to embrace the guidance found in my patriarchal blessing, I remain steadfast in my commitment to follow the Savior. As we move forward together, I encourage you to hold fast to your blessings and the hope they represent. Our patriarchal blessings serve as divine reminders of our worth and potential in the eyes of God.