(WHAT GRATITUDE LOOKS LIKE)
Psalm 95: 6-7 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Life is full of storms, and your response to each uproar that comes your way truly matters. Watching my friend Ramie battle cancer a while back reminded me of a quote from my favorite childhood book, Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott. In Alcott’s words, “I’m not afraid of storms, for I am learning to sail my ship.”
Ramie has unknowingly taught me many things. She embodies a strength I could never possibly mimic in my lifetime.
This scripture rings so true to me, “Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it”.
It may not be labeled as a temptation, but it highlights that life is filled with highs and lows, and the challenges we face are conquerable monsters along our journey.
In the initial stages of her treatment, a donor approved a grant to cover her medication costs. My friend expressed gratitude to God, celebrating as if her cure had already been found.
Ramie’s check-up appointments were particularly amusing. Whenever I grew uneasy about her diagnosis and voiced my concerns, she would lighten the mood by sharing humorous stories about her interactions with caregivers.
One day, while in South Africa for treatment, she video-called me to show what she was wearing to her doctor’s appointment. The highlight of her outfit was her famous blonde wig – one she wore every time she felt on top of the world. “My doctor didn’t recognize me when he saw me today,” Ramie cheered. She looked so well and bubbly.
The way she pushed for her biopsies and surgeries to be done quickly just to liberate herself was something I found unthinkable. These procedures are not a walk in the park, but that’s just who Ramie is. She was so positive about her treatment that she viewed everything as a miracle.
Every conversation with her during her treatment was an opportunity for me to discover how beautiful a person’s heart could be.
In one conversation we had, I remember saying to her, “If we had been more sensitive in the spirit and prayed against infirmities a few years ago like we do now, maybe you could have escaped the cancer.” To my surprise, her response was, “Jasmin! I wouldn’t have paid attention to you then.” To her, this infirmity was a golden opportunity to discover a relationship with God, and she wasn’t going to trade that for anything. Another thing she always emphasizes is how fortunate her children are because she now knows how to bring them up in the fear of the Lord.
This reminds me of David’s gratitude in the book of Psalms. His approach to God has always been unique. He dances before the Lord, praises His name, slips in his requests, and then says “thank you” again, magnifying God in a way that you wouldn’t believe any man could.
Ramie’s gratitude was unmatched. She chose to see the glass as full instead of half empty.
What else could explain her never ending streak of luck?
In life, when you can withstand the storm and the wind doesn’t blow you away, why not adjust the sails instead of trying to adjust the wind.
Just wait until you see why God took His time and didn’t act according to your schedule.
If you’re battling a storm alone or against the odds, stay strong and keep pushing.
The Christian walk may seem challenging at times, but the hardest paths lead to the greatest destinations. The toughest climbs lead to the best views. It will all be worth it in the end.
The most difficult walk you can make is the one you take alone, and sometimes alone means the Master’s interruption, within which lies the template of your becoming. But that solitary walk is what makes you the strongest and builds your character the most. Regardless of circumstances, praise God, and His hand will continue to be evident in your life. David’s heart of gratefulness led him to victory in every battle. Stay strong and keep pushing.
Jasmin Zubida Baidoo.
Thank you so much for this. Wow.
So much learnt from this.
God bless you.
I have learnt that , it’s better to have the lesson and prepare before life teaches you.
Thank you. blessed by this ❤️❤️
Thank you for your response Jojo 🙏
The text is so reassuring. I have learnt that I will let go and let God! Thank Lady Jas God bless you
Awesome piece. The Lord bless you. Our gratitude always determines our altitude. May God help to see every challenge as an opportunity to draw closer to God,than than thinking otherwise.
Wowwww!!! gratefulness unlocks the mercy and hand of God.
As Christians, we will face fires, but we are assured that it will not consume us! This text is so reassuring. If only we let go and let God!
Thanks Jas.
🙏🙏
Life will throw a lot of challenges our way but the good news is God is just waiting for us to offload our burdens unto him. And he in his infinite mercy will fix it.
Let’s stay positive 🙏
When we walk through the shadows of death he will still be with us. No matter the storm our God always wins. God bless you Jasmine
‘I will not be afraid of the storm but I’m learning to sail my ship’
“It is by our praising and giving thanks to Yahweh in all things, that we break open the boundaries of the limitations of man….” Eugenius
🙏🙏🙏
Such a blessing! Thanks for sharing! I think this is my word for the week. Yesterday’s sermon in church was ‘It will all make sense’. Glad I read this today.
This brings to mind a favourite hymn. ” Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy, the praises of my God shall still, my heart and tongue employ”.
I have learnt in this Christian journey that we need to praise our way through every situation whether good or bad.
An inspiring article 👏
This story resonates with me on a profound level. It beautifully illustrates the importance of faith, resilience, and gratitude in navigating life’s storms. Ramie’s unwavering positivity and trust in God’s plan serve as a beacon of hope for anyone facing challenges. Truly inspiring!
Well done I enjoy reading from you. Keep it up
The Lord is faithful. Even in the valleys low He is there with us. I pray for the grace to remain thankful in my low seasons 🙏🏿
Wow, what a Mighty God we serve! Thank you Jas for this good read!
It is ‘Ramie’s gratitude was unmatched.’ for me. I really admire her act of gratitude regardless; which highlights the word ‘give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18),’
Father God, give me the grace to choose to be thankful in all circumstances in Jesus name, amen!
Indeed gratitude yields gratification when we stay focused on Jesus going through that storm of life 🙏🏾🙏🏾
He’s always our strength in the midst of the Storms.God is within us and we will never fail.
We bless the name of the Lord for the courage and the strength He gave Ramie to sail through her ailment victoriously.
Such an uplifting story Jas.God bless you.
Great is thy faithfulness , His mercies are new every morning 🙏🏾. Awesome story that challenges us to be thankful in all circumstances.
If you don’t know what to be thankful for . remember the strength with which you faced or are facing that storm because others crumpled under that very storm .
The song “I will praise you Lord with every breath that I take”… comes to mind. Indeed let us praise God in every situation and He will show Himself true.
God is faithful to all who put their trust in Him and not focusing on the challenges but on God’s great deliverance,
This is a reset on my mind and approach to what life present to you, thanks jasmine
1Corith 10:13 has to be amongst my favorite verses. It has kept me hopeful when several storms pop up. I know God will always make a way and we have been equipped with strength we don’t even know we have.
I enjoy listening to Ramies story Every time you share, she is truly a strong woman, her strength is rare and faith is one that needs to be studied.
God bless you Jasmin for another wonder piece.
This a beautiful depiction of strength, resilience and faith all wrapped in the joy of the Lord who indeed proved to be Ramie’s strength!
Ramie’s attitude of gratefulness and journey, defined in your selection of words, is certainly an inspiration that reminds us of who God is and his promises to us when we trust & praise him through every storm