My Thanks This Year

In these precarious times, I would be most unappreciative not to give thanks to God for what remains of goodness in the world: the love and support of family and friends, the kindness of strangers, and the bounties of the earth which always I’ve enjoyed. Furthermore, I have deep respect for those who died to preserve the freedoms I hold dear - especially for those who in the most fearsome of times and wearing their valor like a knight’s armor while witnessing horrors and great sorrows - were willing to die for someone like me who cannot even fathom a sacrifice so huge as theirs. I thank God for the souls of such great people who fought to keep freedom’s light burning brightly. In these modern times I am thankful, Lord, for the convictions of men and women who, for righteous causes, are willing to sacrifice their reputations and even give up their very livelihoods by standing up for truth as they know it to be. Thank you, God, for my inspiring fellow beings - the ones who stand firm in their convictions, and help me, please, oh God, to be as brave as they. Nov. 15, 2021 for Thanksgiving Blessings Poetry Contest Sponsor: Regina McIntosh March 27, 2022 for 'A BRIAN STRAND 1098' Poetry Contest