November 2022

Thankful Hearts

As we enter the month of November we look back over the past ten months that God has blessed us to enjoy. So many people are celebrating the holiday while others are mourning the loss of a loved one missing from the table this year. Whatever your predicament there is always a reason for being thankful.

I am thankful for my family and friends who knows and understand the value of caring and loving one another enough to make a difference in this world. While it is good to be proud of one’s accomplishments and achievements, it is more important to give thanks to the one who made it all possible. Still some think it was hard work and dedication that enabled them to achieve academic, physical and material accomplishments. It was simply God’s desire for us.

“'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.'” — Jeremiah 29:11.

This scripture assures us that even in our darkest hour, we can be thankful for God is with us.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee: yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10

Our ancestors proved themselves to be unwavering, rejoicing in the work of the Lord because they knew that their effort was not in vain. They withstood the cruelty, ridicule, mistreatment, and abuse, because of the color of their skin. They were strong in their belief and held on to their faith. They reared their children to be respectful, to turn the other cheek when mocked and scorned, and to be thankful in all things God allows.

Today, we observe a day originally recognized as a feast of celebration among the Native Americans and the Europeans who invaded this country. We on the other hand were taken from our native homeland, Africa, brought to America and made to work as slaves. But, with God’s help they survived even when the outlook seemed bleak, and conditions were not favorable. They survived because their faith in God was and still is stronger than anything they faced.

So today when we express our gratitude to God and man, let’s remember those less fortunate and fortify ourselves with the resolve that we will be the people God wishes us to be, compassionate instead of insensate, polite instead of malicious, and affectionate instead of intolerable. Happy Thanksgiving Family and Friends!

Yvonne Richard-Sanchez