Hello Everyone:

Lately, I’ve been seriously contemplating my Thanksgiving blog entry. This year has not been the best of years for many people.  The current economic downturn has left very few people unscathed.  Many people have lost their jobs, homes, retirement savings as well as their self-esteem.  In addition to mounting financial losses, the cherished institution of marriage has taken quite a beating.  Many very high profile couples have simply called it “quits” for one reason or another.  Regardless of where people stood on the socio-economic totem pole, the stressful weight of 2009 certainly made itself felt. 

In times such as these, all you can do is pray for the strength “to make it through”.  Prior to the Civil Rights Movement during the 1950’s and 1960’s, my African American ancestors were well acquainted with “tough times” on a daily basis.  My parents and their siblings grew up in the segregated Jim Crow South and endured the hateful racist indignities hurled at them.  I will be forever grateful for the countless individuals both great and small such as Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who simply put their feet down and said, NO MORE!  By doing so, their momentum paved the way for one of the most remarkable events I have witnessed in my lifetime, the election of Barack Hussein Obama II, an African American, as the 44^th President of the United States of America.

The going has not been easy for the Obama Administration but they have proven they’re not to be taken lightly and will persevere as long as necessary to achieve their objectives.  The opposition has been working overtime but that’s to be expected especially when they, themselves, have nothing positive to offer.  The extreme right seems to believe that they are beyond the Laws of Karma.  It’s a foregone conclusion that when you strive to put negativity into motion, it will come back to you!  They can’t accept that their “roots have been dug up” and “it’s time to start fresh”.  There’s no time like the present “to let bygones be bygones” and “work together” because “the past is not where it’s at”.  When history knocks, it’s time to open the door or adversity will steamroll right on top of you!

In recognition of the sacrifices made by my ancestors, I will be joyfully toasting them.  I will be acknowledging all of my ancestors – not just the African Americans.  As Americans, all of us share a common ancestry that is as old as the Declaration of Independence and I will be forever grateful to our Founding Fathers for framing a living document that has withstood the test of time.  We, as Americans, have not seen “our better days”.  As a nation, we have weathered chaos and uncertainty many times before and by the GRACE OF GOD, “WE HAVE MADE IT THROUGH”!  The blood, sweat and tears of so many that have sacrificed and gone before us will not be in vain.  Sure, it will be painful, but “together we stand” or “divided we fall”.  It’s up to us to make the right call.

May All of You Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Sistah Selah