Uncompromised

Facing Thanksgiving Anxiety with Grace The holidays are supposed to be joyful, but for many, Thanksgiving feels like walking into a minefield. Whether it’s navigating awkward questions, juggling responsibilities, or trying to meet everyone’s expectations, the stress can steal the joy before you even sit down to eat. After my last post about the approaching holidays, several friends and blog readers reached out to share their struggles with Thanksgiving family gatherings. Many spoke of the anxiety that creeps in as they try to juggle everything: keeping a picture-perfect home, finishing the endless grocery list, catching flights, or navigating financial constraints. But the most common source of stress wasn’t the logistics—it was the conversations. Uncomfortable questions like,  “Are you dating anyone?”  or,  “When are you having kids—or more kids?”  can feel overwhelming. Then there’s the comparison game, where someone inevitably points out that one cousin who seems ...

Ah, here we are—November! The month when leaves take their final, glorious bow, the aroma of all things pumpkin spice fills the air, and we get to savor the cozy comforts of sweaters and scarves. But beyond the pumpkin pies and harvest tables lies the true gift of this season: gratitude. As we enter this month, traditionally marked by thanksgiving, we’re reminded of God’s unchanging goodness and the abundant blessings He showers over our lives. For some, Thanksgiving stirs warm memories of family gatherings and laughter; for others, it’s a reminder of heartache or empty chairs at the table. Wherever you are on that spectrum, my prayer is that you’ll find refuge in the One who is always present, always faithful, and always worthy of our thanks. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all that we don’t have or everything that seems to be going wrong. Life is full of its own trials and little heartbreaks—believe me, I understand! But did you know that cultivating gratitude isn’t just a nice idea...