“We are [God’s] people, the sheep of [God’s] own pasture. Enter [God’s] gates with thanks; enter [God’s] courtyards with praise!†Psalm 100, CEB
It may be difficult to think about reasons to give thanks in the midst of a pandemic. It seems almost callous to count blessings when millions around the world have died. It would perhaps be better to simply mourn with those who are mourning.
I am mourning two of my clergy colleagues, who have recently died. Paul and Nancy pastored churches on the district for which I was superintendent. Nancy was in my covenant group when we were preparing for ordination. Both were steadfast and faithful saints--faithful in their leadership in the Michigan Annual Conference and in their witness in their communities. Their families and friends will miss them. I know that I already do.
I also know that I don’t stand alone. So many of us are mourning multiple losses in our lives—the loss of loved ones; losses due to separation from family and friends; the loss of stability, and of jobs and livelihoods. Yet, in the midst of such loss, the Scriptures call us to give thanks. It is not a callous call, but one that realizes that God is with us, as a guiding shepherd, and blesses us, even in our loss.
For what or whom would you give thanks this season despite the losses you may be experiencing?
· I give thanks for the members of the Connectional Table who are steadfast in their leadership, and for the CT staff for their professionalism, creativity and energy.
· I give thanks for our church--for its commitment to God’s mission in the world, and for its message of love and grace.
· And, I give thanks for Christ in all of our lives. He brings peace that the world can neither give nor take away.'
Please hold in prayer the people of Cote d’Ivoire who are working to avoid political violence after a contentious election. Please hold our siblings in the Philippines in prayer as they deal with the impact of multiple typhoons. Please pray for communities around the world, including in the United States and Europe, that are dealing with a surge in COVID-19 infections. And please say a prayer of thanksgiving to God that there are United Methodists in all of these places working to bring healing and the hope of Christ.
Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai
For what or whom would you give thanks this season despite the losses you may be experiencing?