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11/27/08 

"God bless Obama. God bless America. And God bless the others outside our borders."
                                                                           - Kris Kristofferson

Happy Thanksgiving, folks!

So much to be thankful for at this moment, even in times as troubled as these. In the past few weeks I saw my country take a courageous step in its journey towards the more perfect union it is charged with becoming. It is in that becoming that our real hope and duty lie.

In the past few weeks, my friend Reggie Harris was given, through the profound generosity of strangers, a new life. After fifteen years of incredible struggle and weeks on death's front porch, Reggie received a successful liver transplant.

My team, the Philadelphia Phillies, won the world championship! Along with the election, Stephen Colbert used this as evidence that we've entered a parallel universe! )

So very much to be thankful for!

On this day I also remember a young man named Anthony. I met Anthony at Thanksgiving some years ago. He was serving time at Gander Hill prison where I helped run a discussion group for inmates.
 

 Anthony told me that he was grateful to be in prison that Thanksgiving for it kept him safe, from himself as well as others. That week his cousin had been murdered back in his Wilmington, Delaware neighborhood, and Anthony knew who did it.  Anthony told me that, if he were at home, he'd be expected to take revenge on his cousin's killer; that the code of the streets, and indeed surviving on those streets, demanded this!
  
Although imposing in appearance, Anthony was a wise and sensitive young man.  He knew that any vendetta was just as likely to end badly for him as it was for his cousin's murderer.  He also knew that more killing would not solve anything.  Anthony didn't know what he would do but he was thankful to our Lord for the prison walls that offered him time and temporary sanctuary from the awful decision he was faced with. 

I was humbled that day by Anthony's honesty, courage and simple humility. Although I was acting in the role of  teacher, he was clearly the one teaching me... and the lessons continued.

Anthony served out the final months of his sentence at Gander Hill. He was killed in a drive-by shooting shortly after being released.

If you and your loved ones are safe, warm, and together this Thanksgiving then you know, as I do, just how much there is to be grateful for.

Remember in your prayers those who may be not be so blessed today.

Peace,

John