The holidays are often painted as a time of joy, yet for countless individuals, they arrive shrouded in sorrow. As families gather, a quiet ache of loss will be felt by many Americans, a painful absence at tables and in traditions.
Erika Kirk knows this reality intimately. This year, she faces the season without Charlie, her beloved companion. The familiar lights and laughter will carry a different weight, a poignant reminder of what’s missing.
She is far from alone. Across the nation, empty chairs will speak volumes, stockings will remain unfilled, and cherished voices will be silenced. Some will navigate recent wounds, while others will carry the enduring weight of past grief.
I understand this pain deeply. My own family has known the shattering impact of loss. The assassination of my uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., irrevocably altered our world. Years later, further heartbreak followed with the tragic deaths of my grandmother, Mama King, and my father, A.D. King, a loss that deserved a more thorough investigation.
These experiences left indelible scars, yet my grandfather, Rev. Martin Luther King Sr., whom we affectionately called “Daddy King,” never wavered in his faith. I vividly recall him, Bible in hand, tears streaming down his face, uttering the words that became our family’s lifeline: “Thank God for what we have left.”
That simple phrase resonated within me throughout my life. It was his unwavering message amidst heartbreak, injustice, and profound grief – a message the world desperately needs now. Even when life feels overwhelmingly unfair, God remains present.
Acknowledging gratitude alongside grief doesn’t diminish the pain; it illuminates a path through it. True gratitude often blossoms from sorrow, as we discover the beauty that persists even in the face of loss.
For my family, this meant leaning on one another and strengthening our faith. It meant preserving the message of forgiveness and perseverance, refusing to let hatred extinguish the flame of love.
For Erika, and for all those navigating grief this holiday season, it means finding solace in cherished memories, strength in community, and peace in the enduring promise of life beyond this world.
As members of the human family, during this season of reflection, celebration, and hope, I’m reminded of the words in Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” This verse embodies the spirit of the season.
Even amidst pain and division, God offers peace. Even when hope seems distant, His goodwill shines brightly. The true miracle of this time is the ability of light to penetrate the darkest night.
The holidays are a testament to God’s perfect love meeting us in an imperfect world. So, how do we celebrate when our hearts are heavy? We remember that the God who blessed us with loved ones also provides the strength to endure their absence.
We express gratitude for the people and purpose that remain. This is the essence of what Daddy King meant when he said, “Thank God for what we have left.” We give thanks for memories, for a love that transcends death, for a faith that sustains us, and for a peace that surpasses understanding.
The holidays can evoke both tears and laughter, and that is perfectly acceptable. Both are integral to the healing process. But as people of faith, we know that grace, not grief, has the final word.
If you are experiencing loss this season, please know that God sees you. He has not forgotten you. He understands your pain and promises to walk alongside you through it.
Let this be a year of reaching out to those who are hurting, offering a listening ear, providing comfort, and lifting one another in prayer. This is how peace and goodwill take root – not only in our hearts, but in our actions.
As we look ahead to the new year, let us embrace renewed faith and hope. Let us carry the light of Christ, defying despair. Let us give thanks for what remains, love fiercely, forgive readily, and keep faith alive in our homes, communities, and nation.
We still have breath, people to love, and a Savior who faithfully keeps His promises. As Daddy King always said, and as my family continues to believe: “Thank God for what we have left.” A brighter year awaits, filled with the gift of Christ and the extension of love and unity to all.
