Oh, Give Thanks unto the Lord for He is Good!
First, let me say a blessed and happy thanksgiving to all!
2017 so far, has been a rough and disastrous year for many: hurricane, earthquake, flood, wild-fire, church shootings, military ambush, financial reverses, and health challenges. Yet, for all that, if you are alive there is something to be thankful for. It is true, a living dog is far better than a dead lion. The dog has hope to see another sunrise, not the lion. In other words, life gives us a hope and a future, something to celebrate.
It is strange that from last year to the beginning months of 2017, I spent much time answering the questions people asked about their personal flourishing. Here are the questions they ask me: Why so many talk blessing, but there are little to no fruits of blessing upon their lives? They live with constant lack, could there be a curse preventing some people from flourishing? Bless and Curse Not, is my answer to these questions.
Even here in the United States, the land of enormous wealth and abundance, there are still people who are dirt poor, and cannot make two ends meet. There are many causes to the problem of poverty including bad social policies, lack of education, lack of opportunity, to name a few. I don’t think blaming the victim absolves a society from providing for its own. Caring for the poor is an act of mercy. We read these words from our Lord, “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy” (Matt.5:7).
Finally, lack or poverty is not only result of social policies and the other reasons named, but in some cases, it is a spiritual problem that cause resources to dry up for some people. This includes curses that people live under for years. People can ignorantly curse their own blessing, because “the tongue has the power of life and death” (Prov.18:21). These issues are addressed in Bless and Curse Not. Thanksgiving and Christmas are seasons of giving, put this resource on your gift list; it will certainly bless someone many years to come.
A blessed Thanksgiving!
Author: Michael Dewar
Mentor, author, spiritual leader.
Lives in New York