Happy Thanksgiving
Dear Friends,
As I write these words, I am still processing the five lives lost from a shooting at the LGBTQ+ Club Q in Colorado Springs only a few days ago while the news of yet another deadly mass shooting claiming six lives at a Virginia Walmart is developing. Here I am, supposed to write a jolly Thanksgiving message while the news around me threatens to darken what is supposed to be a joyful occasion.
We Have A Choice
We have a choice. Do we ignore these tragedies that likely impact all of us at some level, if not significantly, and pretend that we move into this Thanksgiving season without feeling some form of defeat and concern about where our world is heading? Or, do we address what may have become an unfortunate reality of increasing threat not only to our everyday lives but possibly our spiritual journey as a whole? I choose the latter as a symbol of my unwillingness to ignore what is happening and find a way to balance the unwanted with what is desirable.
Finding Balance
Scripture gives us guidance with regard to handling difficult circumstances while not losing faith. For example, in his letter to the congregation of the church of Philippi, Paul wrote, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6). He then continued in the next verse, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Paul's letter to the Philippians is extraordinary not only because he encouraged the congregation to maintain faith in Christ—and, as such, in their higher Selves—even though they underwent significant hardship. At the time of his writing, Paul was imprisoned and experienced notable struggles himself. His encouragements were not only for those who needed his pastoral support and guidance but for himself as well.
Quite similarly, we can approach our afflictions by aiming to find the Peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, to guard ourselves in the heart and mind of our own fulfillment. Paul's invitation to "not be anxious about anything" is not to ignore our concerns or fears we may experience but pray and give thanks regardless. It is an invitation to shift away from being discouraged and possibly feeling defeated just for a moment to find the strength to pray affirmatively with our community and recognize for what we are grateful.
Prayer and Gratitude go hand in hand. In prayer, we lift ourselves up into what Charles Fillmore, Unity's co-founder, defined as the "most highly accelerated mind action known." From that place, we can more easily recognize the blessings in our lives, the people who enrich our existence, and the things we cherish deeply. In that state, our anxiousness may still be present but no longer have a stronghold, inhibiting our path to Peace and Joy. Instead, we embrace our abilities to become the guardian of Wholeness to express ourselves freely among our families, friends, and community.
Let Us Take Action
On this Thanksgiving Day, my sincerest desire for all of us is that we will remember the Beauty we bring to this world and remind others of theirs. And what better way to do that than saying "thank you" to someone out loud and with sincerity? Not all of us will be surrounded by family and friends today. Some will feel isolated and alone. While many of us might be able to distract ourselves with Thanksgiving activities, others may not be as fortunate. What better opportunity than to let them know they are appreciated? On Monday, I asked all of us to let someone we know from the LGBTQ+ community know how important they are in our lives. Today, it may be as simple as going to Walmart and assuring the employees that we stand with them in their pain and fright. Or, we help out at a food pantry or soup kitchen to shift our focus toward giving, service, and generosity as we give thanks for the life we are able to live. Whatever our action, we shall make it so.
Affirmation
Let us affirm that we all deserve the peace of mind and heart we desire for ourselves and our loved ones, for "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalms 118:24). Let us remember that we already are the very treasure of which Matthew spoke in "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). And, let us never forget that in God—in whatever form we choose to believe—we have the assurance by our own doing that "Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear" (Isaiah 65:24). We are never alone. We will always prevail. And so it is. Amen.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Rev. Jean-Marie Schweizer
Senior Minister Unity Fort Worth