This has been a stressful time following the election for so many people. I was shaken up and a little depressed. However, I looked at the calendar and I saw that the holiday season was fast approaching. I thought, “How could I celebrate Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays in a time like this?” I realized that I must push through the pain and give thanks to Jesus for everything that he has done. So, I would like to share my thank you letter to Jesus. 

Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. (1st Chronicles 16:8- KJV)

Dear Jesus, thank you for being in my life. You have kept me through dangers seen and unseen. Without you on my side, I don’t know where I would be. You are an example of love, inclusiveness, and mercy. Your ministry never divided anyone. You called sinners to follow you and you healed people on the margins of society. As a result, all of us have hope in your Kingdom. Thank you.

Thank you for bringing the Farmville community together in worship and communion this past October. Through us, you set an example for people to follow in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.

Thank you for providing enough resources for Beulah AME Church to continue to serve this community. Thank you for the lives of Elder Goodwin Douglas and Dorothy Vaughan who have helped to shape the rich history of Beulah. Through their stories of hope and perseverance, you have given an example to people on the receiving end of hate on how to overcome. Thank you.

Everyday, you keep blessing me over and over with things that I don’t deserve. You pick me up, when I am down. Jesus, you have always worked out my problems, no matter how great or small, when I have placed them in your hands. Thank you, Jesus!

You defeat my enemies and you use my enemies to bless me with even more. For this, I am grateful. How can I say thanks for all the things that you have done? I don’t have enough words left to express my thanks for what you have done this year. I’ve struggled and you helped me to succeed. Somehow, someway Jesus, you made a way this year. When my back was against the wall, you came through. Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Jesus for my friends and family.

In Your Name, I say thanks. Amen.

I pray that you have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving and holiday season. Remember, Jesus can work it out, if you let him.

Matthew Shannon is pastor of Beulah AME Church in Farmville. His email address is pastormatthew.shannon@gmail.com.