What I am Thankful for this Thanksgiving

What I am Thankful for This Thanksgiving

What I am Thankful for This Thanksgiving

By Cate Rees-Hessel

 

Our nation is in crisis, but I am still thankful to God for the following this day:

 

1. My loved ones: spouse, family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and furbabies.
2. I am thankful for all the progressives at every level fighting against the dictator who thinks he is a king.
3. I am thankful for the fact I never voted for him – I couldn’t live with that on my conscience.
4. I am thankful for the arts in every form.
5. I am thankful for children’s laughter – may we protect these innocent ones from harm.
6. I am thankful that LBGTQ rights are still protected for now, because I love people in that community, including family and close friends.
7. I am thankful our right to free speech is still present and we can speak our mind for now.
8. I am thankful for the opportunity to make people laugh.
9. I am thankful that the government shutdown is over and people can buy food to fill Thanksgiving tables, but my heart breaks that healthcare premiums will pay the price.
10. I am thankful we can still worship in the faith we desire, and pray that God’s truth may finally break through the racist hate that is not what Christianity should stand for.
11. I am thankful for freedom – the freedom our military has fought for and protects.
12. I am thankful for a democracy – may our nation never be robbed of this.
13. I am thankful for the 25th Amendment – may it be put to good use very soon.
14. I am thankful for the right to vote – may we use this wisely.
15. I am thankful for the power of the press, and may I never abuse that privilege.
16. I am thankful for the power of words that we must use wisely.
17. I am thankful for all those standing against ICE – just like the first Thanksgiving when native Americans and pilgrims shared a meal together in peace.
18. I am thankful pumpkin spice season is nearly over.
19. I am thankful to not have to eat turkey spam from a can.
20. I am thankful for each of you reading this.

“Let There Be Peace on Earth”

By Jill Jackson and Sy Miller

 

“Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me;

Let there be peace on earth,

The peace that was meant to be.

 

With God as our Father

Brothers all are we,

Let me walk with my brother

In perfect harmony.

 

Let peace begin with me,

Let this be the moment now;

With every step I take,

Let this be my solemn vow:

 

To take each moment and live each moment

In peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me.”

 

“I Believe”

 

“I believe for every drop of rain that falls a flower grows

I believe that somewhere in the darkest night a candle glows

I believe for everyone who goes astray

Someone will come to show the way, I believe, I believe

 

I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard

I believe that someone in the great somewhere hears every word

Every time I hear a newborn baby cry or touch a leaf or see the sky

Then I know why I believe

 

Every time I hear a newborn baby cry or touch a leaf or see the sky

Then I know why I believe

(Why I believe)”

 

Have a blessed Thanksgiving, everyone, full of peace and hope…