By 16-year-old Valeria Alvarez, from St. Joseph Catholic Church
As we know, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it really makes you reflect on what you’re grateful for. We all prepare for food, laughter, plans, and more. Yet we often forget what Thanksgiving was originally for.
Historically, Thanksgiving was a dinner held in 1621 that brought together the English colonists and the Wampanoag people in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to celebrate mutual gratitude for a successful harvest. From the beginning, Thanksgiving has been a celebration of the good things-things to be grateful for—when God bestows them upon you.
For me, Thanksgiving has always been a reminder to stay humble and to remember the good things that God has given me.
One of our Lord’s many teachings is to remain grateful in all circumstances and not let pride consume you. It’s one of those teachings people are aware of and swear they are, yet often forget it in reality. Therefore, allow His lesson to process in your brain fully, and instead of dismissing it as “something you already do”, actually do it. Stay grateful, and stay blessed.
Valeria Alvarez
Special Note from the President of The Dr. Ghoulem Berrah Foundation:
Expressing gratitude applies to Jews, Christians, Muslims, as mentioned in the Holy Books, and to all of humankind. It should be more than a daily occurrence. In the United States, more than in any other nation, our blessings are countless. We have more reasons to be grateful than any other country. We are privileged to live in a nation with innumerable advantages. We are also fortunate to live in a country free from war. Our daily prayers continue for peace in war-torn regions, including Gaza, the Holy Land as a whole, Ukraine, and Sudan, and for peace in the world.
The Dr. Ghoulem Berrah Foundation wishes each one of you.
A Happy Thanksgiving