The Power of Gratitude: Finding Strength in Life’s Hardest Moments

In life, we all go through trials—whether it’s battling breast cancer, saying goodbye to a loved one, or facing the unexpected challenges that shake us to our core. Life can be tough. But through every struggle, there’s one thing I’m constantly reminded of: gratitude.

Gratitude is a treasure, a gift that God gives us, and the ability to embrace it is powerful. When I feel down, I start listing everything I’m grateful for—my family, my children, my husband, my aunts and uncles. Even the little things we often overlook, like the scent of fresh laundry, the warmth of clean clothes, the privilege of eating a meal or taking a bath whenever we need to. These everyday blessings aren’t guaranteed for everyone, and I don’t take them for granted.

I am especially grateful for my husband. There are no words to truly express how thankful I am for him. Through the hardest times, he has been my rock, my hero. His love and strength have carried me when I couldn’t carry myself. I’m also grateful for my friends—those people I can pick up the phone and call, the ones who remind me that I’m not alone. You never realize how precious it is to be able to tell someone, I appreciate you, until they’re no longer there.

I am grateful for my breath. The ability to take a deep inhale, to speak, to communicate—it’s something not everyone has. There are people right now in hospitals struggling to breathe, yet here I am, able to share my heart, able to express my thankfulness. Even washing dishes, something I’ve never particularly enjoyed, has become a moment of gratitude. Clean water to drink, clean water to wash our hands—these are gifts.

And above all, I am thankful for Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, for my children, for the sound of their voices calling me Mommy, for the blessing of being able to care for them. There was a time when chemo had me too weak to get out of bed, but today, I can rise. That is a miracle.

I am thankful for my church—actually, for many churches. Because in the body of Christ, we are one. No matter which building we gather in or which pastor we call our shepherd, we are united. We pray together, we stand together, we walk together in faith.

Gratitude changes everything. It doesn’t take away the fire, but it reminds us that even in the flames, God is with us. And for that, I am forever grateful.