#saying grace

Saying Grace

Artist: Frans van Mieris (Dutch, 1635-1681)

Date: c. 1650-1665

Medium: Oil on panel

Share cropper Lonnie Fair & family in Scott, Miss. saying grace at lunchtime.

Sixty children from the city’s tenements ate a turkey-less Thanksgiving dinner (of beef loaf) on November 20, 1940. They dropped 120 pennies in a plate in front of an empty place representing war-afflicted British children overseas. The pennies would be sent to buy food for British youngsters. Saying grace before the turkey-shaped loaf are (left to right) Theodore Timms, Margaret Mackin, 4; John Hanley, 5; Joan Barthelmess, 5, and Edward Sloconi, 5.

Now, we all know this has been a hard year. Lost a lot of people. Friends. Co-workers. Mothers. But this year has also given us the opportunity to put stock on what’s important, to let go what we need to let go of, and hold tight to things that we want. And remember what matters the most… That’s right… is each one of us. To be the guiding force and not to let our ego and our pain and our past guide us, but be guided by something that is more mighty, wiser, and stronger, Father God. And, Lord, we ask you to bless each and every one of us, and bless this food that we’re about to receive. Amen. - Dr. Reverend Hollywood