Thanksgiving in Charlotte

I am thankful for…

Our community’s children —
who laugh and cry and play with abandon.
Their smiles wipe away worries.
Their voices give me hope.

Our community’s diversity —
The multiple languages spoken
and the people of all backgrounds and faiths
make Charlotte a better place to live.
(There are 915 churches with street addresses here.)
As my father found refuge from Munich in the US,
may we work daily to make
our city, state and country welcoming.

I am thankful for…

Our protestors (not the rioters) —
who woke up our city to the reality
that something is really wrong.
May we not cast blame but heal.
Toussaint Romain said last night
that “riots are the language of the unheard.”
May we listen so that our future is better
and our city stronger.

I am thankful for America —
its freedoms, its strengths, its democracy.
May we continue to labor to ensure these values are lived
so that all can have a harvest to celebrate.