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The outcome of the 2024 Election has many of us anxious about the future and disappointed in where our community is right now. Moreover, in our personal lives, other things, such as our health, finances, or family, may make us worried. These are worthy of your concern, but remember, it's our birthright to THRIVE! The Rev. Dr. Neichelle R. Guidry, Dean of Spelman Chapel, is right; cultural, social, systemic, and interpersonal hindrances exist to our flourishing. Let us also be mindful that healing, expansion, and flourishing are forms of intentional resistance in God’s Kingdom. Go to God in prayer and ask God to help you prioritize your healing, expansion, and flourishing over your anxieties so that you might honor God first and receive the benefits of that relationship.
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This is one of the New Testament's most popular and often-memorized verses. Jesus is teaching about God’s providence. As we know God and recognize God’s sovereign hand over all of creation, we can move beyond fear, worry, and doubt about our lives.
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Gratitude is a central virtue in the Hebrew scriptures, the New Testament, and the Qur’an.
Let's define Gratitude. It is the parent of all virtues, a virtue that begets other virtues. Gratitude is rejoicing in what is. It is the opposite of regret, which is a feeling of sadness for what is, and of nostalgia, which aches for a past that is now gone.
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Gratitude flows from a healed body, expanding spirit, and flourishing soul. It is appreciating the good things in your life, no matter how big or small. Making the practice of gratitude a regular part of your day can build happiness and self-esteem and provide other health benefits.
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The Gratitude Exercises worksheet summarizes five activities to help you start practicing gratitude. Exercises include journaling, taking a mindfulness walk, writing a gratitude letter, and more. Although these exercises are simple to learn and practice, the challenge comes from consistency. Spend time in session discussing each exercise and creating a plan for their use. Ideally, establish a schedule or routine for daily gratitude practice (e.g., journaling every night before bed).
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TIP: For gratitude exercises to be effective, consistent and thoughtful practice is important. Rushing through exercises to “get them done” does not work. The purpose of each activity is to genuinely reflect on feelings of gratitude for several minutes every day.
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“While I’m mindful of the cultural, social, systemic, and interpersonal hindrances to our flourishing, I’m also mindful that healing, expansion, and flourishing are forms of intentional resistance.”
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Scan the QR Code or Click to download The Expand & Flourish Reading List Ten Essential Reads by Rev. Dr. Neichelle R. Guidry
Sweet Magnolia takes seriously the parable Jesus of Nazareth told about who will be included in the future kingdom of God. In the story, a king is separating his sheep from the goats. When the separation is made, the sheep wonder why they were chosen. Jesus replies that it is their acts of kindness to strangers that earned their place in the kingdom. “Truly, I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these family members, you did it to me.”
At the heart of this parable is the problem of food insecurity. Many folks consider hunger at Thanksgiving, but a significant problem requires a year-round commitment.
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As such, we partner with Rebecca’s Cafe and the Statesboro Food Bank year-round, leading, volunteering, and making monthly contributions of money, time, and effort that make a positive IMPACT!
