thanksgiving – EUGENE CHO

First of all, let me share how much I love the spirit of Thanksgiving.

How can you not?

The notion of being grateful and thankful is a beautiful thing. It’s a truth that transcends any gender, race, age, religion, etc. As a Christ follower, it resonates deeply in my understanding and identity.

But…

At the expense of being called a cynic, a hater, an angry Asian man, and [insert your words here], I still think it’s important and necessary to be mindful of the history, context, and stories of why we mark or celebrate certain “events.”

Truth be told, I have a difficult time acknowledging Thanksgiving – let alone, celebrate Thanksgiving – in its current ‘historical’ revision. I’ve been checking my heart for years why I can’t just go with the flow and to see the “redemptive” aspect of present day Thanksgiving.

Present day Thanksgiving – in its most minimal perspective – is to be thankful. That’s it. Gather with family and friends and go crazy on food. Football. Good memories. Early 5am treks to your favorite stores to get that crazy deal on Black Friday. And on and on.

But something’s off when we engage – directly or indirectly – in rewriting history. Or here it is: The loaded words…wait for it…wait for it…

Continue reading “Thanksgiving and Genocide? Let’s write and share a more honest story.”

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. For this post, I want to encourage you with two simple thoughts: You are Blessed and Remember the Vulnerable. One must choose to have this attitude of gratitude because it is our human nature to complain and be envious of others. The last few months – locally and globally – have certainly been like a bad roller coaster ride that leaves one disoriented and vomitaceous. And unless you’re completely detached from the money machine, you’re likely impacted on some personal level and feeling pretty anxious.

So: What are you thankful for?

For me, I’m thankful for the meaningful things in my life: the presence, truth and grace of the Triune God, my family, my wife and three children, my church community, friends, the opportunities I have, and thankful for the gift of choice that enables much privilege in my life. I pray that I can be a good steward of such gifts in my life.

Here are the two thoughts of encouragement: Continue reading “an attitude of gratitude on thanksgiving”