Thoughts on Thanksgiving 2012

Today in the United States, November 22, 2012, we are celebrating Thanksgiving.  For my non-American readers, this is a day that we give thanks for the blessings in our lives, and most people eat a traditional meal of Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing (or as it's called in the southern US - Dressing), and Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Pie.  There are often other foods that go along with this meal, but these are the basics.

As Americans, we have a lot to give thanks for: Family, Friends, God, Jobs, Homes, Security, our Veterans (both those who have served and those who are serving) and the list goes on.

We have many intangibles to give thanks for: Love, Peace of Mind, Answered Prayers, Kindness, The Ability to Be Kind, Happiness, and so forth.

But, on this day, while we give thanks, let us not forget those who may give thanks but lack basic necessity.  Yes, it may be due to their own doing that they are lacking, or it may be out of their control, but at any rate, we should feel compassion for those who suffer.  It's easy to judge who is "legitimately" suffering, and who is suffering "because they deserve it." We cannot deny this truth, but the Bible is clear that "ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23)."  Who's to say that even we are not one sin away from being one who suffers?  While we should not condone sin in any form, we should have compassion for all sinners because we are among them.

In America, today and everyday, let us remember the Homeless, the Uninsured, the Addicts, the Single Parents, the Soldiers Who Cannot be Home with Their Families and Friends, the Mentally Ill, the People who Cannot Find Jobs, the Working Poor, those who are Caught Up in Gang Violence, those who are Bitter and Angry, those who Have no Peace of Mind and Heart, the Abused (Physically, Sexually, and Emotionally), the Forgotten and Unloved, and the list goes on.

Let us also remember those across the world who are Victims of War, Victims of Militias who Kidnap Children and Force them to Kill, Victims of Sexual Abuse and Violence, those who are Forced to Leave Their Homes due to War, Refugees, Starving People, People who Live in Fear, People who Hate and Insist in Rule by the "Sword," those who must Beg for Food, those who Live in the Streets and in Slums, those who are Victims of Natural Disasters, and so on.  

As we give thanks today and everyday, not only should we remember these people, we should advocate for them.  Write to your representatives and leaders.  We should do something for them - donate money, donate food, donate time.  Most importantly we should listen to how God wants us to act.  God will speak.  Will we listen?