Many of you may be familiar with the song “My Tribute” by Andrae Crouch. I’ve heard the song performed on numerous occasions by renowned gospel artists and local talented singers, but I haven’t heard anyone sing this song as well as my father. I realize I could be a bit bias and I may be mesmerized by the love from my dad. But regardless of the reason, I enjoy hearing him sing the song above all others. The song speaks about the unconditional love God gives to all of us and the feelings of gratitude birthed through this fact. This song is one of the factors that inspired this post.

Thanksgiving Day is swiftly approaching, which is a day that is set aside on the American calendar to give thanks with our family and friends. Although I have mixed feelings about some of the events surrounding the first Thanksgiving that we’ve been taught, I still think it is a great opportunity to express gratitude for the things God has done. I don’t believe in waiting for the holiday season to give thanks, but I do consider this time of year as a reminder of the importance of being thankful—regardless of the day.

Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

About two weeks ago I read an inspirational message about thinking of a memory that I am thankful for—so I decided to write about it. There are several memories that popped in my head, but I am only going share a few in this post. The first memory was the day my brother came home for R&R when he was deployed to the war in Iraq. I recalled my feelings of fear for his safety abroad and the hope of his return—alive—when I learned he was being deployed.

When we were children, I was very protective of my older brother. Although I am the youngest, I fought or would fight anyone who bothered him—regardless of their size. Even at the age of four I had a David spirit. The bigger they are, the harder they fall. I was concerned about the unknown and the obvious events that were transpiring where he was headed; and, I knew I couldn’t fight this Goliath on his behalf.

I was also worried about our parents—mainly my mother—because they couldn’t shield my brother from the reality of war and what he was about to face. But they knew to call on the Man who could. And God did exactly that. He kept my brother safe and He brought him back home to us. I am thankful for God’s keeping power. But in addition to that, I am grateful to my parents for teaching my brother and me how to pray and instilling in us where our help comes from.

I Do, Until I Can’t Anymore

The second memory that came to my mind was the end of my marriage. Some of you may view this as a strange thing to be thankful for, but I believe there are just as many other people who will totally agree with me. There have been some moments when my mind drifts back to the years when I was married and I remember the pain I endured when I lost my children and the overall unhappiness that overwhelmed me during that time in my life.

When my marriage ended I felt like a failure as a wife and mother. I am a woman who was unable to carry her children to term and I was also unable to hold my marriage together. But did I actually fail? I learned a lot about myself and the enormous amount of strength that resides in me because of my faith. I am grateful for knowing the fact that all things work together for my good—regardless of how it may look or feel in the process.

My Roots: How I Got Over

I’ve alluded to the final memory that I am going to cover in this post, which is my faith. In fact, my faith ties a bow and summarizes everything that I am grateful for:  life, peace, sanity, family, security, hope, and reassurance (just to name a few). My faith is the reason I am still standing and it has been with me for as long as I can remember.

It is true that I’ve stumbled from time to time, but I am grateful for the seed that was planted by my parents surrounding my beliefs that is rooted within me. These roots have enabled me to face and ultimately overcome my uncircumcised Philistines.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Until the next time, be you and most importantly—love you.

Being uniquely you is being uniquely beautiful.

-B.B. 💋