Faithful Connections: Expressing Gratitude Across Faiths
Celebrating our faiths, families, communities, and more through expressions of thankfulness.
Hi, everyone!
As we prepare for Thanksgiving amidst a long and difficult year for many, it is always good to remember what we have to be thankful for. Gratefulness reminds us that the world is not always as dark as it seems and that, despite the many challenges that come our way, we have our faith communities, families, nature, and more to rely upon. With this in mind, I asked some of the board members of Interfaith Atlanta to initiate this celebration by writing what they are thankful for and how they implement gratitude into their lives! Here’s what they had to say:
“I’m grateful for parents who came to North America with nothing but a desire to work hard & raise a family in a land of opportunity. I recognize the privileges I have by my identity, my education, my health. My deep gratitude leads me to work to life others who need a helping hand and ensure their opportunities and open doors are equal to those I encounter” -Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser (President)
“For me, as a Catholic, all good things come from God, and I am thankful for so many blessings, especially family and friends (old and new)! In the Catholic tradition, our biggest blessing is the Eucharist, which we believe is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. The word Eucharist derives from a Greek word that literally means ‘thanksgiving.’” -Jackie Marcinko (Vice President)
“I’m thankful/grateful for each new day, my family, friends, the sunshine as well as the rain. For each opportunity and or challenges that comes my way. They all help me become a better person. To be more loving, caring, and compassionate.” -Rena Marroquin (Treasurer)
“The Buddhist tradition holds that all of creation is sacred. I am grateful for all we share.” -Valerie Morvan (Board Member)
“Sikh Faith gives us a perspective to see both the Creator and Creation as One. This message of being dutiful and beautiful to EVERYONE irrespective of their faith, background, ethnicity, or any other distinctive criteria is where lies the word, the glory, and the blessings of the Guru. I’m grateful to the Gurus for giving me this understanding!” -Parminder Singh (Board Member)
“I am grateful to be a Muslim and a believer for the ethics of Islam of the inclusiveness and the compassions being a humble steward of God to serve and give back to humanity. The Quran says, “As for those who struggle in Our cause, We will surely guide them along Our way. And Allah is certainly with the good-doers” (Chap 26/69). Goodness in heart, thoughts, and action. Thank you all for being our interfaith family.” -Ambreen Sohani (Board Member)
For me, I am thankful for the community religion provides, both in my Catholic religion and interfaith spheres. The biggest gift that God has given me throughout my life is a family, friends, and partner that help me grow as a person and in my faith when I cannot do it alone. Those around me make the world feel a little less lonely as I am able to find the feeling of ‘home’ everywhere my people are. I am also grateful for God’s forgiveness and everlasting love through all of my human flaws. In my daily life, I attempt to bring forgiveness and love into the world in my interactions and service to others. Thanksgiving is always a reminder to continue this mission and put more good out into the world!
As you travel to see your family (chosen and biological), stay in the warm comfort of your home, or partake in whatever Thanksgiving may bring for you, let us remember the transformative power that gratitude has in lightening how we see the world. As our diverse faith traditions teach us, expressing gratefulness helps us see the immense blessings and goodness in our lives, families, communities, sacred traditions, and the world around us. With that, I wish you a peaceful, restful, blessed, fulfilling, and happy Thanksgiving!
