by Cathy D. Gordon

Saints, let me first admit that writing this message, proved to be quite a challenge and frustrating.  You see I’m not a writer, but I was given an assignment and therefore willing to answer the call.  We all know that the season of giving will soon be upon us and we begin by celebrating with “Thanksgiving”.  It’s the one day that we all find something to give thanks for, something that we are grateful for.  Since God desires honesty, well He insists on it, I asked myself “What am I grateful for?”  Everyone has the standard things that they are grateful for such as health and strength, which I by no means take for granted, coupled with the roof over my head and clothes on my back.  I would also add a job, family, and friends, too numerous to count. But what am I truly grateful for?  What is the one thing that keeps me grounded and going and ever so appreciative for?

 Unusual as it may sound, it’s my “hope” and “prayers”. These are two things common to every believer but they are very personal to me.  For one, I know that no matter what situation I am faced with, I know that through hope (which is my faith) and sincere prayer (communication with God), everything will be all right.  I can cast my burdens upon him for cares for me (I Peter 5:7).  Even when I have faltered, I see “hope” and “prayer” as my start over clauses in this world. Through prayer, I know I can get forgiveness.  This says to me pick yourself up and try again. I am with you my child.

 Believe it or not I found myself wrestling with forgiveness a few months ago. I say this because I usually do not have a problem with forgiveness or so I thought. It was a situation that was supposed to be over and done with. We know God tells us to forgive so He can do the same for us. What I later discovered or re-discovered, is that in forgiveness there is also restoration. When I forgive I restore that person to the same place he had before the incident occurred. I was reminded of this and I thank God, because I forgave as God commanded.  Now I have my friend back and I no longer have the heaviness that I was carrying.  It was through prayer that I was able to do this.

In this season, we are often reminded of the many people that are less fortunate than ourselves and I realize that I have much to be grateful for.  I’m grateful for God’s patience with me when recently I was too short with the clerk at the store.  I’m grateful for mercy when I got off with a warning and not a ticket when the traffic officer stopped me.  I’m grateful for His grace to allow me to connect with other strong Christian women to help me in my spiritual walk.  You see I’m not only grateful for “hope” and “prayer”, but as Hezekiah Walker & LFC sings, I’m grateful for all the things He’s (God) done, yes I’m grateful for the victories I’ve won. More importantly, I’m grateful for a right relationship with God.

As we come together, this Thanksgiving holiday, try to keep these things in mind.  Even when we can’t see something tangible, God has blessed us with his love, forgiveness, and grace.  We have a heavenly father that loves us no matter what and we can always go to him as long as we have hope in Christ and the ability to pray. This within itself is much to be thankful for.  So during this season, meditate on Psalm 136, give thanks and be grateful.

¹ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
       His love endures forever.

² Give thanks to the God of gods.
       His love endures forever.

³ Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
       His love endures forever.

⁴ to him who alone does great wonders,
       His love endures forever.