How do you deal with doubt? Do you carry them in darkness?
Reflection:
Doubt is something we all feel from time to time. It sneaks in. Quietly. In the middle of the night. In the middle of a prayer. In the middle of a conversation.
Doubts often lead to questions. Sometimes, the more questions we have, the more doubt there is. Sometimes, we feel paralyzed. Afraid of what others may think. Afraid that our doubts might keep us from doing the right thing. Or worried that God will leave us.
But Scripture tells a different story. A father cries to Jesus,
“I believe—help my unbelief.”
And Jesus responds with healing.
God accepts the doubting heart. He meets it. He holds it. He helps it believe again.
Faith is not the absence of doubt. It’s the courage to bring our questions to the One who understands. To where we belong. To the place where even doubt is welcome.
He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart…
— Isaiah 40:11
Reflection:
Some days, we feel scattered. Due to demands. In the workplace and at home. Too much stress. Too much on our plates to juggle. Too much change in a short time. Disconnection from others. Or ourselves. Ambiguous loss or grief.
We may not even know what scattered us. A conversation that left us uneasy. An uninvited memory. A season of time. Sometimes we just don’t know. And yet—God gathers. Because He knows.
He gathers us with tenderness – not force. With compassion – not shame. We who may have gone astray. He gathers us all. The weary. The wandering. The souls who feel they are far too gone.
God carries us. When we can’t carry ourselves. You are not forgotten. You are not too far. You are not alone.
God scoops us up. And in His arms, we remember who we are.
We all long to belong. Not just to fit in, but to be known. To be received. To be held in the quiet spaces of grace.
This series was born from that longing.
It’s for the scattered heart, the questioning soul, the weary caregiver. It’s for those who have wandered, waited, and wondered. It’s for those who are seeking. Those wishing to open the door.
Each reflection is a gentle invitation— to pause, breathe, and listen. To create space. To welcome the stranger. To receive grace and offer it freely.
You won’t find quick fixes here. But you will find: Presence. A sacred space. Scripture. Questions that stir.
Because sacred belonging isn’t earned. It’s received. It’s the place we were always meant to be.
Gratitude is more than a feeling or an emotion. It is an action. It is a way that we can speak our faith through our deeds. Through a faith-based lens, gratitude isn’t passive; it’s an active expression of love and kindness. James emphasizes this with the reminder that ‘faith without works is dead’ (James 2:26).
The faith-based approach seeks to put our faith into service. And we do it through kindness and compassion.
How do you show gratitude?
Gratitude Amid the Hurricanes of Life
There is no doubt that Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton left indelible marks on families. From the beaches in Florida to the mountains in North Carolina, the hurricanes left a trail of devastation of unprecedented proportions.
It was unexpected. It was quick. It was devastating. Many experienced the loss of family members and friends. People lost their homes. Businesses. Livelihoods.
Gratitude For Humankind
Yet, amid such devastation and tragedy, so much kindness and compassion poured out from so many. Neighbors, relief organizations, and the anonymous donated time and resources to a myriad of groups to show gratitude.
Often, in moments of crisis, love and compassion shine bright. The worst of times seems to draw people together in unity. It helps us to realize how essential our basic needs are as opposed to all of the materialism that is around us.
Gratitude for humankind.
This type of gratitude causes me to pause and reflect. It reminds me of the thought that has been on my mind for a few days now…“Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus.” It is as if a voice whispers this to me as I wake up.
Christianity.com does a beautiful job of answering the question: What does it mean to be the hands and feet of Jesus? Being the hands and feet of Jesus means that Christ’s followers, past, present, and future, are obedient in their commission to preach the gospel and co-labor with Christ to love, serve, and heal the broken, hurting, and hopeless of this world.
Joel Ryan, Contributing Writer -www.Christianity.com
As we walk through the hurricanes of life, let’s remember to show kindness and compassion. Why? Because actions speak louder than words.
How can we bring kindness to our own situations as well as to those walking through their own storms?
In Part 4, we will look at how the Snowbird Coffee Cafe became the hands and feet of Jesus.
In the last post, we compared the ups and downs of life to a bowl of strawberries. Just as each strawberry represents different aspects of life, our attitude towards them can take on various forms. In other words, gratitude can be an emotion, a feeling, or an action.
Today, we will define gratitude from two different sources.
Gratitude is a positive emotion that involves being thankful and appreciative and is associated with several mental and physical health benefits. When you experience gratitude, you feel grateful for something or someone in your life and respond with feelings of kindness, warmth, and other forms of generosity.
The first source suggests gratitude is a positive emotion. But is gratitude only an emotion?
What do you think?
GRATITUDE (εὐχαριστία, G2374, [1] thankfulness, gratitude; [2] the rendering of thanks, thanksgiving; [3] Lord’s Supper, Eucharist, 1 Cor 10:16). The condition or quality of being grateful; an emotion or sentiment of thankfulness. A warm sense of appreciation for a kindness received; accompanied by a feeling of good will toward the benefactor, and a desire to repay the favor.
Let’s picture luscious fresh strawberries in a beautiful crystal glass bowl. What do you see? I see about fifty strawberries with green stems. Some are perfect, and some have leaves that are wrinkled or missing. I see strawberries that are large and some that are smaller. Then, I bend down and take a whiff and smell that heavenly strawberry aroma that dances in the air and into my nose.
In every bowl…
Every once in a while, a small, almost rotten strawberry gets mixed up in the bunch.
Just like our lives
Some lives have more rotten strawberries than others. But what if we were to be grateful for all the strawberries, no matter their condition? You may ask, how can I be thankful for the rotten strawberry? You have a choice to make. You can eat it and maybe get sick. You can throw it out. Or you can toss it out the door for insects to have a feast.
What do you see when you see a bowl of strawberries?
What would life be like without a few of these rotten ones?
Could they actually serve a purpose?
And, how would you define the ups and downs in life?
In Part 2, we will define gratitude and dig a bit deeper.
Achieving a Thanksgiving mindset requires gratitude, introspection, and transformation. We must also learn to intentionally pause so we can recharge and refocus. Once we do that, we can reflect and reset.
“It’s never too late to press the reset button on your life.”
Unknown
Recharge
Recharging involves replenishing our inner resources. It encompasses activities that rejuvenate our spirits—whether it’s through solitary introspection, pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or immersing ourselves in nature’s tranquility. This process isn’t merely about resting; it’s about actively seeking what revitalizes us, ensuring we’re emotionally, mentally, and spiritually equipped for what lies ahead.
Refocus
Refocusing invites us to reassess our goals, recalibrate our energies, and realign our intentions. It’s about acknowledging the distractions that pull us away from our desired path and consciously steering ourselves back on track. Amidst the chaos of daily life, these moments of realignment act as compass points guiding us toward growth and development.
Our lives are so busy that we must consciously take a break from our busyness. Take a deep breath. Let’s think about where we have been and where we are going
Reflection
Reflection serves as the cornerstone of personal growth. It’s the conscious act of looking back at our experiences, discerning the lessons they offer, and applying these insights to propel us forward. By reflecting on life’s twists and turns, we pave the way for continuous improvement. Identifying our personal blessings and the profound impact our interactions may have on others can serve as a catapult to more empathy, understanding, and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our lives.
Reset
Artist Credit: Clymenza Hawkins
Thanksgiving can serve as a reset button. It’s about shaking off the old, shedding what no longer fits, and embracing the chance for a fresh start. Picture it as a makeover for your mindset—an opportunity to grow into a newer, better version of yourself.
A reset is that pivotal moment where we let go of what’s holding us back. It’s about taking a hard look at what’s not working and daring to reimagine what could be. It’s that push to let go of old habits, beliefs, or fears that no longer serve us.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to refocus, recharge, reflect, and reset. As we express gratitude for what we have, we also open ourselves up to the idea of change. It’s like saying thanks for what’s been and getting excited about what’s to come—a chance to start afresh.
A Thanksgiving Mindset – Part 2 focused on a simple message.
Transformation and Introspection.
Image Credit: @ Bohu _ Allure
To recap, we discussed developing gratitude, improving ourselves through self-assessment tools, learning and understanding healthy relationships, and practicing mindfulness.
Let’s continue with Transformation.
This morning, a good friend of mine posted this to her Facebook page:
“If you fail, never give up because fail means ‘FirstAttempt In Learning.’ The end is not the end. In fact, the end means ‘EffortNever Dies.’ If you get no as an answer, no means ‘Next Opportunity.’ Changeyour mindset!”
Author Unknown
Growth Mindset
For transformation to occur, we have to change our mindset.A growth mindset sees challenges as opportunities for learning and development, much like the cycles of planting, nurturing, and harvesting in nature. It stems from the belief that we can do better. We can improve. We can become better people. Why? Because there is no limit on learning. We can improve ourselves by shifting our thinking and reactions and being proactive.
Proactive to more intentional awareness. Thinking before we speak. Choosing our words more carefully. Learning the art of “pause.” Listening more and speaking less. Observing nonverbal communication in dialogue.
If we actively practice healthy communication, we will eventually, transform into something different than we were or even currently are.
Fixed Mindset
Shifting from a growth mindset to a fixed mindset, the fixed mindset perceives the world as black and white. It is, or it isn’t. Growth is stifled, like a dormant seed unwilling to sprout. Those who seem stuck might be fixated on something they can’t get past. It is overwhelming. Whatever the “it” is. One way of becoming “unstuck” is by talking. Talking it out with a trustworthy friend. Or by seeking professional help. We can’t fix a problem that isn’t ours. What we can do is to do something ourselves. Accept the situation and learn from it. What can we do differently next time? What can we learn from it?
“With a fixed mindset, it can be hard to find motivation to work through perceived weaknesses because the ability to change may seem as hopeless as changing your eye color. In contrast, with a growth mindset, you’ll see your perceived weakness as a challenge that can be motivating — and even fun — to overcome.”
Mia Primeu, Stanford Today, November 10, 2023.
Thanksgiving to Transformation
Thanksgiving is the perfect canvas for cultivating a transformation mindset. Instead of focusing solely on what’s on the table, we can shift our attention to what we are grateful for—the love of family, the support of friends, and the opportunities surrounding us. A transformational mindset encourages us to foster a sense of appreciation for the present moment and provide grace (tons of it, perhaps) to those who surround us. As we sit down to a Thanksgiving feast, we can view the past year’s challenges not as obstacles but as stepping stones for personal and collective growth.
Let’s not think only of ourselves but others.
Pondering the transformation process begins with recognizing past experiences of ourselves and others, understanding reactions to life’s circumstances, and what we can do to make a positive mark on the people who mean the most to us and the world at large.
Last weekend, I dragged my husband to the Arts and Crafts Festival to a section of Tampa called Temple Terrace. The closest parking was about a half mile from the event. When we walked through a parking area into the park, a regal-looking historic building sat majestically on a bed of lush green grass.
Artist Credit: Chrysalis by Patricia Allingham Carlson fine america dot com
Built in 1914 as a horse stable, The Woodmont Clubhouse is the oldest structure in Temple Terrace. It served as a schoolhouse and is now the home of the Woman’s Club and a venue for special events.
As I squinted at the building, I marveled at its timeless beauty and rich history. I found myself lost in thoughts of transformation. The transformation of a horse stable to a schoolhouse. And, then, to a venue for special occasions.
I thought of resilience and evolution. This brought me back to the theme of transformation. Which, of course, means personal growth for me. I pondered how we could convert this sense of transformation into a Thanksgiving mindset?
Timeless beauty. Architectural grandeur. Serene and tranquil. A treasure trove of memories. Harmonious and picturesque.
It is simple: Transformation and Introspection.
You can’t have one without the other.
Let’s begin with Introspection.
“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it. It’s not enough to dream of it. It’s not even enough to pray for it. You must work at it.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
Introspection requires:
Developing a Gratitude Attitude
Improving Self through Assessment Tools
Understanding Healthy Dynamics of Relationships
Practicing Mindfulness
Respecting Cultural and Spiritual Interpretations
Introspection demands a heart of gratitude to understand the emotions and attachments we have with things. Embracing ourselves as unique sons and daughters of the Almighty Designer of the Universe initiates this journey.
You must work at it!
Self-improvement involves learning lessons, identifying areas for growth, and recognizing strengths through self-assessment tools.
You must work at it!
Strengthening our relationships with others involves observing and learning from them.
You must work at it!
By examining our origins, family system, and individual experiences, we can better recognize triggers so we can redirect ourselves in a healthier way. Digging deep into childhood and unpacking past trauma takes work! It is not for the faint of heart.
You must work at it!
Mindfulness, a multifaceted practice, involves grounding ourselves in the present, examining the past through a magnifying glass with a different lens, creating space to dream, and setting goals for personal growth.
You must work at it!
By fostering a Thanksgiving mindset of introspection, we can truly celebrate beyond material abundance to a godly abundance within ourselves and share joy with those we cherish.
The other day, I was in a Marshalls’store and Christmas music was piping through the speakers. I caught myself humming to the music, and then I stopped. Dead in my tracks. And out loud, I quietly muttered, “It’s not even Thanksgiving yet!”
As I strolled the aisles, I noticed the festive and glittery Christmas section. There were huge bins filled with holiday merchandise on wheels waiting to find a home on the store floor. I pondered how we could convert this sense of abundance into a Thanksgiving mindset?
It is simple: Thanks and Giving.
Let’s begin with gratitude.
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
Melody Beattie
Let’s be thankful for who we are.
Where we are.
How we are.
And why we are.
Redirect.
Instead of conforming to the materialism of the holiday, we can redirect our focus to enriching our own lives and the lives of others. Which can be done by doing instead of buying.
By focusing less on the shopping gods who want us to spend our money on frivolous gifts, we can spend more time being grateful for what we have right now.
Who are the people in your life who genuinely want you in theirs? Who extends a warm welcome? Who reaches out for help or to simply say, “Hi?” Thanksgiving is the perfect time to center our thoughts on gratitude for the people and experiences that shape our lives.
When we embrace a mindset of thankfulness, we will naturally want to give back to others. We want to help those in need. Those less fortunate.
What can we do to help others?
We can purchase one small item when we go shopping and place it in a box to give away during the holidays.
Or, we can visit an elderly person in a nursing home who may want some company.
A video call to catch up with someone who impacted our lives and whom we have lost touch with might also be an excellent expression of gratitude.
By fostering a Thanksgiving mindset of both thankfulness and giving, we can truly celebrate the season in a way that extends beyond material abundance to a godly abundance of doing good for others.
But what if you don’t feel thankful?
I think most of us would agree that stress and anxiety are part of the holidays, no matter what stage of life you are in. Even as a youngster, I remember feeling anxious about what Santa would leave under the tree. Would it really be what I wanted? Or, something else?
So, I get it. It sure is difficult to focus on gratitude when life sometimes, just simply sucks.
I get that – all too well.
If the holidays are overwhelming, please reach out to a trusted friend, or a professional to help you navigate this time of year.
I and Thou Reflections 