I've been living in Iraq for the past two years. Among the poignant stories I could share from my time here, there is one recent memory which has prompted the creation of this blog.
It was Thanksgiving Day. The weather- rainy, cold, and gray. Some friends and myself opted to spend the morning visiting refugee families, internally displaced people from Mosul. The scene was not new. We had been frequenting camps and spending time with various refugees since I first arrived two years ago. But this day struck a chord. A major forte of sorts. As we entered the small living room, I sat on the floor next to a certain woman. After brief introductions, we learned this mother has lost her eldest daughter just one month prior to a sudden brain tumor. A few months before that she had fled her city, her beloved home, all in a moment's notice since the cruel invasion of ISIS. Most of the refugees we meet are extraordinarily weary. Depressed. Tired. And honestly, given their situation, I can see how easy it would be to succumb to feelings of hopelessness. The situation is dire. Yet, something was different here, drastically different. This woman, she shone with the simplicity of gratitude. Her face, peaceful. Her demeanor, content. Her speech, far from discouraged. In fact, she uttered not a word of negativity. Rather, she gushed forth unceasing thanks to God like a fresh river flowing down a mountain in early spring. Despite an icy, winter frost begging, even violently attempting to cling to frail flowers, the sun in her heart wouldn't allow it. Her heart wouldn't allow any form of pessimistic, gloomy or complaining spirit to remain. There simply was no room for it. It was beautiful. She was beautiful. The fountain in her soul sang above the dismal noise around her and it caused the entire atmosphere to shift- astounding!
This one instance left an indelible impression. Simply stated, I want to cultivate a heart of rich gratitude. Thus, the new year seems like an ideal way to begin. Being that I enjoy writing, this option of "blogging" appealed to my creative inclinations. Ergo, for the next 365 days I will post something I am thankful for whether it be casual, revolutionary or otherwise. My aim, to develop a sincere and full heart of gratitude and in so doing, reflect a ray of the incomprehensible love of my Jesus to the world around me.
He is worthy of all my praise! And now, for my first note of thanks- thanks for reading!
Alisha Louise
It was Thanksgiving Day. The weather- rainy, cold, and gray. Some friends and myself opted to spend the morning visiting refugee families, internally displaced people from Mosul. The scene was not new. We had been frequenting camps and spending time with various refugees since I first arrived two years ago. But this day struck a chord. A major forte of sorts. As we entered the small living room, I sat on the floor next to a certain woman. After brief introductions, we learned this mother has lost her eldest daughter just one month prior to a sudden brain tumor. A few months before that she had fled her city, her beloved home, all in a moment's notice since the cruel invasion of ISIS. Most of the refugees we meet are extraordinarily weary. Depressed. Tired. And honestly, given their situation, I can see how easy it would be to succumb to feelings of hopelessness. The situation is dire. Yet, something was different here, drastically different. This woman, she shone with the simplicity of gratitude. Her face, peaceful. Her demeanor, content. Her speech, far from discouraged. In fact, she uttered not a word of negativity. Rather, she gushed forth unceasing thanks to God like a fresh river flowing down a mountain in early spring. Despite an icy, winter frost begging, even violently attempting to cling to frail flowers, the sun in her heart wouldn't allow it. Her heart wouldn't allow any form of pessimistic, gloomy or complaining spirit to remain. There simply was no room for it. It was beautiful. She was beautiful. The fountain in her soul sang above the dismal noise around her and it caused the entire atmosphere to shift- astounding!
This one instance left an indelible impression. Simply stated, I want to cultivate a heart of rich gratitude. Thus, the new year seems like an ideal way to begin. Being that I enjoy writing, this option of "blogging" appealed to my creative inclinations. Ergo, for the next 365 days I will post something I am thankful for whether it be casual, revolutionary or otherwise. My aim, to develop a sincere and full heart of gratitude and in so doing, reflect a ray of the incomprehensible love of my Jesus to the world around me.
He is worthy of all my praise! And now, for my first note of thanks- thanks for reading!
Alisha Louise