I had the privilege of being served a heartfelt Thanksgiving feast by a group of incredible women who gather once a month at Mobil Loaves and Fishes (MLF) to share the gospel and a meal with the formerly chronically homeless. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, the gospel message they shared focused on the power of gratitude and recognizing the blessings in our lives.
The leader of our prayer reflection began by sharing the powerful story from 1 Kings 17:12, where a widow had only enough food to prepare one last meal for herself and her son. She had already resigned herself to the harsh reality that this would be their final meal—they would eat and then face their fate. But God, in His goodness, had other plans. He provided for her in a way she never could have imagined, and through her faith, she experienced an outpouring of blessings.
The verse reads:
“As surely as the Lord your God lives, she replied, I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” (1 Kings 17:12)
This story struck me deeply, because much like the widow, there are moments in life when we think we know the path we’re on, only to find that God has something far greater in store for us. Just as He surprised her with His provision, He surprises us too, blessing us in ways we never expected. It’s a beautiful reminder that God’s plans for us are often far beyond our own understanding.
As I sat among twenty other women, we took time to go around the room, sharing what we are grateful for. Some of the responses moved me deeply, and I captured a few of them to share with you:
Grateful for the Holy Spirit, he is better than any drug ever.
Grateful for every day, just waking up and having another day.
Grateful for knowing that anything I’ve done that was wrong, it’s already been forgiven.
Grateful for my improved health.
Grateful for my flower bed.
Grateful for friends.
Grateful for being given a stable home so I can work on my sobriety.
Grateful for a new job at Goodwill.
Grateful for the ability to help people.
Grateful for friends who walked my dog when I wasn’t able to.
Grateful for amazing neighbors who brought me food when I was low on money.
Grateful for this community, I never remember having a family love me like this community does.
Grateful for church.
Grateful for my kids who called me on my birthday.
Grateful for 1 Kings 17:12, in remembrance of those who died on the streets this year.
Grateful for our neighbor who died in her home, and not on the streets.
Grateful for a good God for being clean for eight years from the demon of crack cocaine.
Grateful for Community First! Village, this place saved my life.
Grateful for the wonderful people I’ve met here.
Grateful for God who is good all the time.
Grateful for God who is a light to my feet, who shows me my next step so I can stay the course. I just need to follow His light.
Grateful for having found God and found peace through Him.
Grateful for songs that calm me in the midst of a storm.
The lyrics from “How Great Thou Art”, by Keith & Kristyn Getty
“Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee
How great Thou art, how great Thou art”
At Community Forever Village, we are deeply grateful for everyone who has connected with us, supported us with donations, and held us in your prayers. Your support has been instrumental in our mission, and I am thankful for each person who has walked alongside us on this journey to address homelessness. I am especially grateful to the friends and even strangers who have stepped up to volunteer, offering their time and energy to help us make a difference.
I am also profoundly thankful to my husband, whose unwavering support has made it possible for me to focus on our mission to bring the chronically homeless neighbors of Denton County into their new homes. His dedication has been a true blessing, and I couldn’t do this work without him.
What are you grateful for? Take a moment to reflect and share your gratitude with others—it can have a powerful impact. If you feel inspired, consider giving back to those in need this season. Whether it’s through donating, volunteering, or simply offering your prayers, your actions can make a real difference. Let’s continue to spread the blessings we’ve received and uplift those around us. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can help our community or get involved with organizations like Community Forever Village, reach out today. Together, we can bring hope and support to those who need it most.
