What does it mean to truly give thanks? For much of my life, I couldn’t. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I didn’t yet understand how. Gratitude wasn’t possible in my world, it felt out of reach.

In my book Twice Over a Man, I talk a lot about my hunger. Hunger defined my childhood, I rarely got enough to eat. And I didn’t give thanks to anyone. My circumstances didn’t feel worth celebrating. I was too hungry to think, “Well, at least God has given me life.” I wasn’t spiritually mature enough to understand that.

Paul writes in Philippians 4:12-13: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Here’s the truth: I didn’t understand this until later in life. And when I did, I was still in the wilderness, I hadn’t reached the land flowing with milk and honey. I was still going through.

I make this point because often we shrug off encouragement from people who seem to be doing better than us. But remember: Paul wasn’t doing better when he wrote those words, he was in prison. He was physically confined, but his mind was free. Did you catch that?

When my mind got well, my transition from fear to faith began. I started speaking words that didn’t make sense at the time:
“I’m not thankful for this circumstance, but I know there’s a better plan. I know another chapter is being written. Thank you, Jesus, for writing another chapter. I’ll do my part, whatever it is.”

Do you know what your part is? My part was to stay hopeful, surround myself with good people, and do the work. That’s how I began to own hope.

I couldn’t give thanks when I was spiritually bankrupt. I couldn’t give thanks when I was spiritually malnourished. Gratitude didn’t come until I owned hope.

What does it mean to own hope? It means fully claiming hope as my own, embracing it as the foundation for my mindset, actions, and belief that better outcomes are possible. Hope wasn’t given to me by circumstance. I had to choose it. Only when I owned hope could I live out

1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances.”

Does this mean I never worry, fall short, or fail to celebrate? No. I’m human. I’m imperfect. But here’s the truth: when I’m intentional about my thinking—when I pause before my subconscious takes over, I hit the mark.

Let’s be honest: many of us are hardwired to complain. We don’t celebrate, whether life is good or bad. Gratitude takes intentionality. It’s a choice.

When I was younger, I heard the old church ladies say, “Be thankful in every season.” Seasons are like circumstances. And no matter what situation we’re in, we can always find reasons to be thankful, even as we’re going through.

Today, I feel pulled to grow. And I’ve said to the Lord more than once,
“Lord, isn’t this enough? Haven’t I done what you’ve called me to do? Haven’t I been obedient with my gifts?” The growth creates tension. But here’s what I know: the tension is a gift. Growth is a gift.

So, I’m thankful for new relationships, new visions, and stretch purpose. I’m thankful for the wilderness because it’s leading me to the promise.

What about you? What are you thankful for?

This holiday season, I pray you’re able to spend time with family, reflect on all circumstances, and embrace the hope that comes with knowing another chapter is being written. Gratitude begins when we choose to own hope, not because our circumstances are perfect, but because we trust that they are leading us somewhere greater.

Praise God that you’re here for another day, with hope in your heart and the promise of more to come.

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