A Word on Gratitude
Today, those of us in the United States observe Thanksgiving, an annual holiday wherein millions gather to celebrate belonging and gratitude with one another.
For many of us, today may be filled with trepidation. You might be anticipating a tense family gathering where your whole, beloved self is not welcome at the table. Maybe you’ve not yet had the ability to come out and express the truth of who God made you to be, or perhaps your family has chosen to “overlook” your identity in an effort to “keep the peace.” For others of us, where there once was tension there might now be silence, and “family” is a concept fraught with pain.
This season may remind you of childhood loss, ongoing grief, and meaningful relationships broken through no fault of your own. Many LGBTQ+ people know what it means to intentionally build a chosen family, to sit at a new table with life-giving relationships where love is unequivocal.
It’s no secret that the holidays can exacerbate mental health issues, confronting us with loneliness, rejection, or the fear of consequence for simply being our truest selves. Moreover, Thanksgiving itself has been historically white-washed, and it is important that we name the harm done against Indigenous peoples even as we set our hearts on gratitude. We must work against the erasure and appropriation of Native people, possessions, and cultures, tearing down the lies built in service of white supremacy.
Wherever and however you experience this Thanksgiving, we want to remind you that you belong, and you matter. You may see evocations to be of “good cheer” and thankfulness as contrived, and for good reason. Nonetheless, we invite you to remember just Whose you are, in Whom you have your worth, and that Christ is in and with you at all times. You are never alone.
To all of our chosen Q Christian family, we once again want to express our gratitude to you for your participation in our work, your very involvement in our community, and above all, the God Whose image you reflect so brightly in the world.
May you find opportunities to rest in the knowledge that you are God’s beloved child.
In gratitude and grace,
The Team at Q Christian Fellowship
