As I thought about what to write about this week, the natural inclination would be to take time acknowledging all of the things I have to be thankful for. The act of giving thanks during this week specifically has been part of my family's routine for as long as I can remember. The same is likely true for your family as well.
On Sunday, I had the opportunity to address the congregation where I worship as part of our routine "Leaders Moments." Again, Thanksgiving week so I thought I'd focus specifically on all the things that we collectively had experienced and give thanks for those blessings. That was my plan until I woke up Sunday morning.
In reviewing the overnight headlines, two tragic national incidents caught my eyes. A senseless, brutal attack on Colorado Springs night club and a horrible bus crash involving college students. In a moment, lives erased and families and friends ripped into pain, agony and chaos. In a matter of moments.
I kept reading and then read local articles about proposed ordinances in Oklahoma City that, if passed, would impact how our community engages those who are homeless.
The reality is after reading media reports on those three issues and many others, it hit me squarely that for many, it is difficult to muster the energy to be thankful when so much around them is so dark.
As I returned my thoughts to my pending remarks to my church family, I was disappointed how quickly I turned back to the "even when times are tough, you should have a thankful heart." The default "pull up by bootstraps" response crept into my brain. I'm glad I let that response go and turned my tone to what I believe is the healthier response and I want to close my blog with where I landed.
There is, no doubt, that giving thanks is healthy and appropriate. Blessings are abundant and I want to acknowledge those that pour blessings into my life: my family, my friends, and the many mentors that have shown me mercy and shared their wisdom with me. My family lives in a nice home and have all we need to live and are blessed to take part in unique adventures.
For the people of Colorado Springs and their families, the Brandeis University community, and those who are unhoused in Oklahoma City with little hope, it's hard. It's scary. And there seems little to say thank you for at the moment.
I am thankful for all of those referenced in the preceeding paragraph. My commitment is to lift them up in my prayers and conversations during this dark time and do more to help them find pathways through the darkness to opportunity and peace.
My faith calls me to step in. And it's the neighborly thing to do. For my beloved home state, we even have coined the phrase "the Oklahoma standard" to capture these gestures of kindness. Whatever the reason for your calling, I hope you will join me in remembering those this season who can't see beyond the darkness and to do your part in helping honor them this season.
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