Giving Thanks for Real

Give Thanks collection
Black and white sign "Give Thanks" rests on top of an orange sweater with a darker orange gourd. Imaged licensed from Envato Elements.

Thanksgiving or Gratitude Day? What are you celebrating today?

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Just a quick note on this holiday.

As we have become increasingly aware of the false narrative around Thanksgiving, we have a responsibility to change. The first thing we can do is learn the real history behind the holiday and the on-going harm indigenous people continue to experience.

The second thing we can do is re-think the holiday for ourselves. I think it should be renamed Gratitude Day. Then we can focus on what we are honestly grateful for and ask ourselves how giving thanks and living thankfully will make a difference – for us and all our neighbors.

Whether you are alone, with family, or surrounded by friends, take time to focus on gratitude. What are you most grateful for? How can you share your gratitude in a way that makes life better for someone else?

May your Gratitude Day be blessed with hope and peace.

 

Rachael Keefe

About Rachael Keefe

Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe is the pastor of Living Table United Church of Christ. She was called to Living Table in 2015 after serving in many varied ministry settings since her ordination in 1992. She holds graduate degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Andover Newton Seminary at Yale (formerly Andover Newton Theological School). Her ministry and leadership often center around advocacy and accessibility. Her writing has been published by Chalice Press, The Christian Century, Red Letter Christians, Working Preacher, RevGalBlogPals, and others. She is grateful to be in ministry with Living Table today.

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