Hebrews 11:1 (King James Version)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
The holiday season is upon us, and I have already overplayed the Temptations’ infamous gospel version of Silent Night!
I have always loved this time of the year! Like most, my love for the season started during childhood. I remember the Christmas I got my Nintendo NES™ and my Barbie™ Rock Cafe. But more than the gifts, I LOVED the family gatherings at my grandparents’ house where everyone would come! My Family gatherings are exactly like those portrayed in the hilarious #ThanksgivingWithBlackFamilies on Twitter™!
As the years have passed, family gatherings have changed, especially in light of COVID. My parents’ house has now become the gathering place as the former generation are now gone. While there is a new generation gathering at the table, the absence of those who have gone on to glory is still felt. I swore off sweet potato pie for years after my grandmother died because no one could make it like her. But we honor the memory of our ancestors and still know they are with us as we look at each other. Their blood runs in our veins and we look like them. Plus, some of the secret recipes are still in the family.
Being active duty, I cannot make it home to every family gathering and that saddens me at times. But my understanding of family has evolved. Family is not limited to the biological. My family has actually increased. I may not always get to go home for the holidays, but I never have to be alone because I have a global family that will take care of me thanks to the military. These are the things that give me comfort and hope.
The holidays mean different things to everyone and can trigger a host of emotions. However, I pray one of those emotions is faith. This holiday season, I pray that you will have the faith to believe that good days are ahead. You do not have to wait until the New Year to make a resolution. Resolve now to have faith that even if things are not the way you want them to be, at the right time, the path forward will be revealed and your circumstances will change. Remember, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Have faith!
Happy Holidays!