Article written by: Sister Brenda Wider, Grandmothers of Hope Society, Inc.
Thanksgiving is a time of gathering together with family and friends to give thanks for all our blessings. I grew up in a very large family and every Sunday was like thanksgiving in our house. My sisters and brothers and their families came after church on Sundays to eat dinner and fellowship until late in the evenings. The thanksgiving holiday was extra special because it was the time that a lot of special cooking was being done in our house to prepare for the big gathering. Everyone participated in preparing the meal. My mother’s specialties were making potato pies and turkey dressing which were done with much love. Many times, stewed chicken which came off our farm was a substitute for turkey. Of course, the potatoes, corn, field peas, okra, collard greens and turnips were right out of our garden. Although it was cold outside my brothers and dad would spend the day hunting until dinner time. The wood heater and fireplace made the house warm and comfortable. My dad and brothers stocked the woodshed to be ready before winter. We also worked outside raking the fallen leaves this time of year.
These were all great memories growing up, but the best memory for me was a time of thanksgiving to the Lord which was a norm in our household. Every Sunday morning, we gathered in our family room to pray, read scripture and my dad would always thank the Lord for providing for us all. He would thank God for 15 healthy children, for providing shelter, food, clothing, and a good education for us. In our home we were taught love, faith in God and family were the most important. This tradition has carried over to my immediate family where we celebrate thanksgiving by gathering and giving God thanks!
One of the great commandments is to give thanks to God, for He is good, His love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34) We have so much to be thankful for because we have a Savior who loves us unconditional. We must praise, worship, and pray and have a thankful heart to thank Jesus for dying on the cross for us and forgiving us of our sins. Though His sacrifice was painful and costly it was done so we might have the right to the tree of life. We are often quick to thank Jesus for all the good times in our lives, but when we go through trouble we are wondering where He is; but we must give thanks always because Psalm 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Philippians 4:4-7, “Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” When we receive healing and breakthroughs in our lives, it is so important for us to give thanks to our Father the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanking God shows Him that we have faith in Him as our source. He is the source of all provision and wealth and for this we should always give thanks.
“In everything give thanks for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Paul was loyal to God even in his persecution. Paul’s riches in Christ Jesus far out weighted his earthy discomfort. Paul was thankful because his blessings involved a relationship with the one true God. We can be thankful like Paul because our Father loves us unconditionally. We don’t have to do anything to earn His love, it is free to us.
Isaiah 12:4 says, “in that day you will say: give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted.” Jesus’s steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness is throughout all generations.
As we gather this thanksgiving with loved ones; let us not forget all the trouble and pain that have come our way this year (some families have broken and heavy hearts with empty seats at their table). As we remember these things let us also remember we have a loving Savior our Lord Jesus Christ who we must always give thanks in all situations. May you be blessed this thanksgiving, and may you feel the Lord’s love, peace and protection over you and your loved ones. I pray that God will touch your life with His mighty provision and healing power 1 Corinthians 9:15. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart. Psalm 9:1
Article written by Sister Brenda Wider
Grandmothers of Hope Society Ministry
Board Member