Light in Darkness
By Charlotte Crabbe
Light in Darkness is part of our Restoring You, Restoring Us series through The Giveback Campaign, an annual invitation to create even more places for black women to rest. We welcome Cultivate Vibrance founder, Charlotte Crabbe, as she shares her reflections on gratitude.
A few years ago I remember meeting with my therapist.
The details of what was going on in my life at that time are vague but what was clear was his advice to me. I was telling him about a hard situation I was walking through, one I knew was not going to end any time soon. His words to me:
“Consider making a list of what you are grateful for.”
I reluctantly noted his advice. It seemed counterintuitive to how I felt. It seemed like I was bypassing my emotions. But each day, as I got ready I would make a mental list of what I was grateful for:
A moment when I felt most seen by God.
Sun shining through the clouds on a cold winter day.
Whether it was something small or major, it was something. That exercise became my prayers and praise. It helped me to tell a more complete story about my season.
Yes things were hard AND gratitude could still be found.
In a time like what we are living through, looking for gratitude can feel hard. As I look back I am reminded that gratitude does not take away whatever real emotions I may be experiencing, it’s an acknowledgement that a little bit of light can still be found in the midst of darkness.
May that light find you today.
“In all things give thanks, for this is the will of the God in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thes 5:18
Charlotte is a Ghanaian American daughter, auntie and founder.
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