The Favored Childنموونە

Growing up on a 238-square-mile island with a strong colonial past, I know and understand favoritism all too well. On an island whose population is characterized by a predominance of African descendants, it was not unusual for particular children to get the best parts in the choir or play simply because they carried skin a few hues lighter than melanin. There were also instances where children were treated better than others simply because of their parents’ occupations, or the suggestions of social status put forth by the contents of their lunchboxes.

In my teenage years, I saw favoritism in practice when dark-skinned women like me were passed over or deemed less desirable by our male counterparts in favor of “shabin” or mixed-race women. These judgments were made based solely on the perceived merit of the color of our skin or the texture of our hair. Needless to say, observing these things, growing up, I despised favoritism. Today, my tune has changed key. Just a little. I no longer despise favoritism. I haven’t grown to love it, but I’ve grown to understand its place in the grand scheme of things.

I’ve grown to understand that each of us is favored in our own way for various reasons and seasons. I’ve grown to realize that favor is not for the sake of the favored as much as it is for the fulfillment of divine purpose. The things I’ve grown to understand could not be more evident than they are in Joseph’s story.

Jacob had 12 sons, of whom Joseph was the 11th: the one before the last. However, very early on in this story, we are told that Joseph was loved by his father more than his brothers. His father loved his brothers, but his father loved him more. His father loved him so much that he had a special gift made for him: a beautiful robe, described in the King James Version of the Bible as a “coat of many colors”. This robe, even before Joseph had been given a dream, was a point of contention between him and his brothers. In hindsight, this is a foreshadowing of what would come.

When one reads through Joseph’s story in its entirety, one may be compelled to cast aside and label as trivial the exercise of understanding the concept of favor here in favor [pun intended] of the more hard-hitting or riveting parts. To many, the stories of his brother’s reactions to his dreams, his being thrown into a pit, his being sold into slavery, and his going to prison for a crime that he did not commit are all far more exciting than talking about the elements that constitute favor. But in Joseph’s story there are no trivial details. Each detail highlighted is of significance. For this reason, this devotional is set to reveal the intricate role that favor plays in shaping our own paths and in fulfilling our dreams and purpose. I invite you to cast aside any inclination to dismiss the exploration of favor as trivial, recognizing that every element and detail in Joseph's story holds profound meaning.

Through insightful reflections, practical guidance, and scriptural wisdom, this devotional seeks to illuminate the origins and influence of favor in our lives. It sheds light on the ways in which the favor we each carry is intricately intertwined with our unique journeys, leading us toward the realization of our dreams, and ultimately guiding us to fulfill our intended purpose. As you embark on this devotional journey, my hope is that you will gain fresh perspectives on how favor manifests itself, the trials it may encounter along the way, and the transformative power it holds. Centered on the life of Joseph, the dreamer, The Favored Child will encourage and empower you to embrace the gifts and favor bestowed upon you, recognizing it as a divine catalyst for navigating the twists and turns of your own life story.

This plan was adapted from my book Dreamer and its accompanying journal.