Holidays

As I sit and reflect on the past two years, my heart overflows with gratitude. Just two years ago, Lorraine and I were in a deep, dark place we thought we could not survive. Our marriage, our family, and our ministry felt all but lost. Yet today, as I look back on this journey, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His unending grace and faithfulness.

How often do we pause to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the Saints of God—those who have great faith and lavish love? So many come to mind as I think of those who have persevered with God through pain, sorrow, joy, and abundance, inspiring others through their unwavering faith.

This Thanksgiving, we want to encourage each of you to reflect on the people who have walked with you through complicated times, lifting you up on days when you didn’t think you could make it. These are the quality individuals who deserve to be honored in our prayers of gratitude.

Take time to thank God for the faith of your forefathers, your family members, and your friends who love Jesus. Let your children hear you pray for these faithful ones. Teaching them an attitude of respect and gratitude for committed Christians builds a foundation for a generation of God-followers.

Gratitude to God for those who love Him wholeheartedly strengthens our own faith and reminds us that faith and love go hand in hand. As 2 Thessalonians 1:3 reminds us:
“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightfully so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.”

This Thanksgiving, let us thank God for the love and faithfulness of those who have carried us, encouraged us, and shown us what it means to follow Christ. Those with great faith truly love greatly, and their love is a reflection of God’s love for all of us.

From our hearts to yours, thank you for being part of this journey with us. May this season of gratitude remind us all of the blessings we share and the beautiful gift of community in Christ.

With love and thanksgiving,
Mark and Lorraine Richards

The My Ashleah Foundation