We never know what someone else is going through until they ask for help. Sometimes the circumstances we find ourselves in are not as terrible as the loss of a child or a critical diagnosis. Loss can strike at any moment without warning. There are families dealing with fresh raw wounds of loss and need our prayers and support. Going into the holiday season of Thanksgiving through the New Year there will be numerous opportunities to pray for others and our families. Everyone has a story and we are not always privy to that story of hurt and pain until it is shared.

This family that shared their need for prayer over the holiday season is a family of deep faith. They find things in the minuteness of life to be thankful for. They rejoice that their son is in heaven and they will one day be with him again. Their gentleness is palpable, their hope in God. They ask for prayer. We as a community join with them presenting their request to God. We are thankful along with them. I learn so much from this family. No matter your circumstances there are things you can be thankful for.

Things we can be thankful for:

• God’s love. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” 1John 3:1
• God’s gifts. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
• He is with me. “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15
• He’s got my back. “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

If you are going through some trials this holiday season, reach out and ask for prayer. Then, rejoice. Be thankful for the goodness God has provided. Pray. Ask God to guide you. Ask God to help you overcome the anger and anxiousness that resides in your soul.

{{{hugs}}}