Trent accepts award for Excellence in Marriage and Family Research and Advocacy

Contact: Don Otis, 719-275-7775, interviews@veritasincorporated.com

NASHVILLE, Sept. 24, 2015 /Christian Newswire/ -- Dr. John Trent, best known for his million-copy seller The Blessing, has been awarded the James Dobson Award for excellence in Marriage and Family Research and Advocacy. For the past 30 years, Dr. John Trent, along with Gary Smalley, have equipped parents and spouses with practical tools to transform their homes from the inside out through the blessing.

The James Dobson Award is conferred each year during the AACC Annual Conference (American Association of Christian Counselors). This year is called, "Be Strong World Conference" in Nashville. Dr. Trent is the president of the non-profit Strong Families and serves as the Gary Chapman Chair of Marriage and Family Ministry and Therapy at Moody Theological Center. He is the author of two dozen books, including his latest series of blessing books with Rose Publishing/Aspire Press. (www.rose-publishing.com/Aspire-Press)

"What an incredible honor," said Trent, when told about the award. "I can only think of 100 people who should have been given such an award before me. I am nonetheless greatly honored and flabbergasted." Trent has been an advocate for intentionally sowing seeds of blessing within marriage and with children for decades. "Anytime you choose to bless your spouse or children you are sowing seeds that enrich your home and relationships. When we reach out to bless others it soon becomes a habit. We give not out of expectation of having our own needs met but in meeting the needs of others."

Abandoned by his alcoholic father at an early age, John Trent had no idea what it would be like to be a part of a healthy family. He hated his father and carried the wounds of resentment for years. Then he encountered God's love and his life was never same. Since then he has dedicated his life to encouraging change in individuals, building strong families, supporting marriages, and helping people see the value of blessing others.

"Let me convey my deep appreciation and humility for the honor," said Trent when told he was this year's recipient. Trent's work on the four blessing booklets demonstrates his own conviction about blessing others – explaining the long-term role it plays. "It is indeed those little things we choose to do in our spiritual and personal life that set our course for future actions," he explains.

For interviews, contact Don Otis at (719) 275-7775 or email: interviews@veritasincorporated.com