What is the “blessing”, and how does it contribute to a theme in the text?

Stacey's blessing was to have land of his own. This supports the theme of land as a symbol of independence.

"Y-yessir,' said Stacey. Papa released him and stared moodily into the night. ‘You were born blessed, boy, with land of your own. If you hadn't been, you'd cry out for it while you try to survive ... like Mr. Lanier and Mr. Avery, Maybe even do what they doing now. It's hard on a man to give up, but sometimes it seems there just ain't nothing else he can do. 'I.., I'm sorry, Papa,' Stacey muttered.