The Importance of Showing True Gratitude this Thanksgiving

By Janna M. Hall 

The holidays are officially here! Dinner plans are being made, relatives are flying in, and our Black Friday shopping lists are growing longer with each commercial we catch on TV. More often than not, Thanksgiving is characterized by what we’ll get—a full belly or a new laptop—and less about what we already have. Health, happiness, family, and friends are those blessings that often go unappreciated; we’ve grown so accustomed to having them that we don’t realize that in an instant, they could be taken away from us. This year, Urban Views Weekly and local residents from all walks of life take the time to reflect upon the many reasons we already have to be thankful. Nothing is promised, and we’re fortunate to live to spend another holiday with those we cherish. This Thanksgiving, let’s focus less on the food we’ll be enjoying and the Black Friday discounts we’ll take advantage of, and stop for a moment to truly give thanks.

 

 

Levar Stoney
Richmond City Mayor-Elect
“I am thankful for the opportunity to serve. I am thankful for all of those who invested in our campaign and message for the future. I am also thankful for the ability to begin an administration that will focus our efforts on improving the quality of life of all Richmonders.” 

 

 

Dr. Renee Hill 
“What I’m thankful for right now is that in the wake of the Presidential election, people are making an effort to express kindness, compassion, and concern for others. That really makes me feel good.” 

 

 

 

 

Rose Coley
Department of Mass Communications Office Manager
“I’m thankful for the knowledge of our Creator & His undeserved kindness. I’m thankful for my family, and I’m thankful for my many blessings, blessings such as having a home, a job, and my health.” 

 

 

Robert L. Satcher, Sr.
President Emeritus St. Paul’s College/Adjunct Professor of Chemistry, Southside Virginia Community College 
“First and foremost, I am thankful to acknowledge Jesus as being the head of my life and Savior. Further, I am thankful for having “The Courage of Conviction” and to objectively make decisions according to my faith. I am thankful for family and friends; for being blessed with a sound body and mind; for having a life-mate and jointly successfully rearing four children and witnessing the next generation of our family via two grandchildren; and for being successful in a chosen career.”

 

Juliette Davis
Senior Pastor of Destiny Empowerment Ministries
“Unlike any other time in my life, I have decided to be very intentional about being thankful.  In the past 90 days, I’ve lost three dear friends to tragic illnesses. In a strange way, the bitterness of their loss has made everything much sweeter. Today, I am most thankful for the simple things in life including: sunrises and sunsets, creating memories with loved ones, and fulfilling His purpose for my life. Being thankful has taught me a valuable lesson, an attitude of gratitude doesn’t make your problems go away, but it gives you strength and hope to finish the course.” 

 

 

 

Alexus Davis
“This year, I am most thankful for God turning every negative into a positive. I asked God for love, family, good friendships, and a better lifestyle. Though it didn’t happen as I thought it would, it has all happened in God’s perfect timing. For that, I am thankful.”

 

 

 

 

 

Dwight Johnson

“I’m thankful for my family, my kids, and my wife; they motivate me every day, and I’m grateful that with their motivation and support, I’m able to have a job I can depend on to provide for my family, and benefits that help keep me healthy. I’m grateful for the ability to stay active enough to live a healthy lifestyle for my kids, and I’m thankful that I have friends who hold me accountable, share in my success, and keep me grounded every step of the way.” 

 

 

 

                                                     

Vanessa Perry
“I’m thankful for the time to stop and focus on the good in our lives. All year long we spend our time and energy focusing on goals and work, but Thanksgiving is a time to focus on the good. It’s a time to not only give thanks, but show appreciation for the people in our lives who bring us joy and love, so I’m thankful for the coming together of family. My brothers, sisters, and I all have careers and small businesses that keep us very busy during the week, so Thanksgiving is our time to put all our work to the side and focus on family, and have fun while carrying out the traditions my mother started years ago. We cook together, and really show our mom that we’re happy to step up to the plate and do the cooking. Family means a lot to my mother, so we put ourselves to the side to show her how thankful we are for her and all that she has sacrificed for us. Also, as a mother and grandmother, Thanksgiving is a time when all of my children and grandchildren are together all in one place. It doesn’t happen too often, so when it does, we use it as a time to reflect on the goodness of God and the favor He has bestowed upon us all. I love the holidays.”  

 

Sabrina M. Merriman
Founder/CEO, InnoCent Beauty Collections
“I’m thankful for peace of mind. I remember a time in the recent past that life’s circumstances and people who’ve hurt me caused me to live a life full of depression, anxiety, self-pity, and hurt. But I’ve been strong enough to forgive others, overcome those obstacles, and focus on living life freely. So I’m thankful for that strength, and thankful that I’m given another chance to enjoy this life that God has given me.”