We Are Truly Blessed!

'Karen and Jay celebrate the power of gratitude and the positive impact that it plays in our daily lives.'

Inevitably, life gives us struggles and challenges to overcome. Deals with us in ways that seem unfair. Sometimes, even major blows that we are not prepared for and feel ill equipped to handle. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that we have an opportunity to take a deep breath – take a step back - and feel gratitude. To recognize the blessings all around us – to see the enormous positives in our lives and resolve to move forward with a renewed sense of gratitude.

The truth is that the world is a positive, beautiful place – where gratitude is everywhere. And the consciousness of gratitude allows us to communicate – and feel a warmth and a positivity. All is possible and we are moving in a positive direction. It’s with energy that we do this. We do not fear conflict. In fact, we advance through taking action. We act. We learn. We get positive feedback. We course correct and we move forward. There is no such thing as a problem that cannot be solved. There is always a way. And we are moving forward – through those ways, learning those ways.

Gratitude is indeed all around us, woven into the fabric of our daily lives. From the simplest moments, like a warm cup of coffee on a chilly morning to the laughter shared with friends and family, there are countless reasons to feel thankful. Nature offers its own reminders, whether it's the beauty of a sunset, the soothing sound of rain, or the vibrant colors of flowers in bloom. By cultivating an awareness of these blessings, we can transform our perspectives and recognize that appreciation exists in even the most ordinary of experiences.

In times of distress, the act of counting our blessings can serve as a powerful antidote to negativity. When we consciously focus on what we have, rather than what we lack, we shift our mindset and begin to see the plethora of gifts life has to offer. This practice is especially important during challenging moments, as it allows us to ground ourselves and find solace amidst turmoil. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by hardship, acknowledging our blessings can illuminate the strength and support that surrounds us, fostering resilience during difficult times.

Despite living in a world filled with gifts, it's all too easy to take our blessings for granted. We often rush through life, overlooking the small yet impactful aspects that contribute to our happiness. By developing a sense of mindfulness and intentionality, we can train ourselves to appreciate the everyday wonders that often go unnoticed. This can be as simple as expressing thanks to a colleague for their help, taking a moment to admire a beautiful view, or writing down a few things we are grateful for at the end of each day. These actions can deepen our connections to ourselves and others, grounding us in gratitude.

When we embody a sense of gratitude, it not only enriches our individual lives but also enhances our interactions with others. A grateful mindset fosters empathy, understanding, and kindness, which can lead to stronger relationships and a greater sense of community.

By sharing our thankfulness and appreciation with those around us, we create a ripple effect that encourages others to do the same. In this way, living with gratitude becomes a transformative practice, elevating our well-being while nurturing the bonds we share with those in our lives. Ultimately, embracing gratitude allows us to live more fulfilling, connected, and harmonious lives. I urge you to take a breath, feel a sense of gratitude and embrace all the greatness that life has to offer!

This week we are delighted to highlight a true American hero – whose selfless spirit and courage – was a driving force in helping to unite the country in the aftermath of 9/11.

In just a few short weeks, on Sunday, November 24th, let’s take a moment to remember Todd Beamer on what would have been his 56th birthday. You may not know his name, considering he passed away 23 years ago, but I want to make sure he is not soon forgotten.

Raised with his two sisters in a house "with a strong biblical value system and work ethic," Todd was an account manager for a computer company, following in his father’s footsteps. On the fateful morning of September 11, 2001, he was aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which had been hijacked by terrorists. Flight Attendant Sandra Bradshaw, on the phone with her husband, said, "Everyone is running up to first class. I've got to go. Bye." Beamer told GTE phone operator Lisa Jefferson that he and a few passengers were planning to "jump" the hijacker with the bomb. He then recited the Lord's Prayer and the 23rd Psalm with Jefferson, prompting others to join in. Beamer requested of Jefferson, "If I don't make it, please call my family and let them know how much I love them." After this, Jefferson heard muffled voices and Beamer answering, "Are you ready? Okay. Let's roll." These were Beamer's last words to Jefferson.

The group of passengers overtook the terrorists, preventing them from reaching their target, the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. All passengers perished in the crash in Pennsylvania. Inspired by Beamer, Neil Young later released a song called "Let’s Roll." There were three other songs inspired by the event, and President George W. Bush used the phrase “Let’s roll” several times in speeches. Though Beamer’s words and heroism have been widely shared, not everyone knows who Todd Beamer was, or how pivotal he was, not just on that plane, but in the bigger picture.

In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, in which 2,977 victims immediately lost their lives, the world was stunned. The attacks were widely condemned by world governments, even those traditionally considered hostile to the United States, such as Cuba, Iran, Syria, Libya, North Korea, and Afghanistan. The image of heroism—led by Todd—of a group coming together in a common cause was like a rock hitting a pond, creating a ripple effect that spread across the world. There were tributes and acknowledgments throughout Europe, Africa, China, India…every corner of the globe knew what had happened, and the internet was still in its infancy. In Berlin, 200,000 Germans marched in solidarity with America. Three days after the attacks, the crew of the German destroyer Lütjens manned the rails as they approached the American destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill, displaying an American flag and a banner reading "We Stand By You."

For a period of time, differences of race, gender, age, nationality, and religion were forgotten by most. We were all simply human—except, of course, for the terrorists. Today, in the United States, we find ourselves in a very different place. Divisions exist around race, gender, age, nationality, religion, and especially politics.

We can come together for the common cause of freedom, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We can find ways to work toward common ground and shared causes. We can find our way back from divided states to the United States.  And we can be inspired by the leadership and courage of Todd Beamer - Let’s roll!

Quote of the Week

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others." – Marcus Tullius Cicero