Mentorship That Matters
Blessing Offor’s Story of Tough Love and Spiritual Guidance
Family can serve as a bedrock of support. Nigerian-American artist Blessing Offor talked to us about the necessity of community, love, and the importance of mentorship. From his father to his extended “tribe” of friends and chosen family, the love and encouragement he’s received has been pivotal in his music career.
“Every time I talk to my dad, he says, ‘I’m praying for you. We’re super proud of you, and we’re praying for you,’” Blessing recalled. His father’s constant reminder of his family’s prayers and pride provides him with strength. A simple, yet powerful gesture that Blessing says “meant the world” to him.
And this support isn’t limited to his biological family. Blessing emphasized how his “chosen family” is just as crucial to his success. He reflected, “My tribe is not just the literal tribe I come from… I have friends in Connecticut, where I grew up, New York, where I spent a handful of years, Nashville, LA, Europe, Brazil, Argentina, everywhere.” His rock through good times and bad, he says they’ve helped him navigate both life and career. Family transcends bloodlines, for Blessing, becoming a network of individuals who lead with their hearts and genuine care for others.
We all need a support system to lift us up when we’re down and celebrate us in moments of triumph.
Blessing credits certain individuals in his life for shaping him by giving him the gift of hard truths. He recalled a particularly memorable experience with Eric Brown, a family friend, when he was just 13 years old. Blessing played a song for Eric, expecting praise, but what he received was far from what he anticipated. “He said to me, ‘That was the worst song I’ve ever heard, and you wasted four minutes of my life; I’m never getting it back.’”
While the words might seem harsh, Blessing found this moment instrumental to his growth. Eric’s honesty came from a place of love and care, a belief in his potential that refused to let him settle for mediocrity.
Eric’s critique wasn’t meant to crush his dreams but to push him to improve. Blessing reflected on the importance of Eric’s tough love. “Everybody’s going to tell you that you’re amazing, and that’s cool… but I’m going to be the one that’s going to tell you how you really are.” Encouragement and accountability was crucial for Blessing’s development as an artist, and it’s something that has stuck with him throughout his career.
No matter how hard we work, God’s work in our lives is even greater.
Spiritual Mentorship’s Lasting Impact
Beyond family and musical guidance, spiritual mentorship is also significant for Blessing. He shared about his pastor, Phil Covert, who offers regular spiritual support. “Every Wednesday at 8 a.m., we either meet for coffee or jump on the phone,” Blessing said. Pastor Covert often leaves him with powerful thoughts, and one in particular stood out to Blessing: “God can do more while you’re sleeping than you can ever do with all your restless energy.”
His pastor’s words caused him to reflect deeply on the importance of letting go and trusting God’s control. As a busy artist constantly juggling projects, this advice was a reminder that no matter how hard he works, God’s work in his life is even greater. Blessing shared how Pastor Covert’s words left him emotional, saying, “Okay, I’m going to cry in the middle of this coffee shop… It just reminds you that you’re not doing any of it. God is.”
For Blessing, family is not a static, rigid concept—it’s ever-growing and dynamic, rooted in genuine love and support. His mentors, from those who push him musically to those who guide him spiritually, have given him tools for resilience.
May his story challenge you (and all of us) to reflect on your own community.
- Who in your life speaks the truth in love?
- And how can you be open to the support and lessons they provide?
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