What Is the Special Healing Power of Gratitude?

My Take on Healing & Gratitude

The other day I got this email from my Ward (church) about the healing power of gratitude that got me thinking. What is the special healing power of gratitude?

Yes, the Holiday Season is here starting with The Thanksgiving this week. But when I look around me I find people are so depressed about their lives. Are we still grateful for what we have? Or are we so burdened by life that we have forgotten the healing power of being grateful for things we have?

Some people have lost their jobs- others are scared of the future. The Future is uncertain but President Russell M. Nelson says in his message

President Russell M.Nelson on Healing & Gratitude

In his 96 years of life, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has seen almost everything—a Great Depression, a world war, and a global pandemic, to name a few. And he would like to propose one remedy that can help us find joy in hard times: gratitude.”

Most importantly, I realized that some of us forget what we have because we keep comparing ourselves to others in our strife for a better life. We as Christians have forgotten to be Grateful for our Blessings in our daily lives.

Muslims on the other hand openly express gratitude- alhumduiallah (thank you God).

Do we keep a journal to count our Blessings?

On the other hand, I have noticed that we as Christians are so much into making fun of different denominations (there are so many) that we have forgotten to appreciate what we have. Jesus as our Saviour.

Healing Power Of Gratitude: Our Blessings

We as Christians should LOVE ANOTHER & Count our Blessings-and name the one by one -that will show us what the Lord has done.

So, today I am going to share what God has done for me in my life and you are welcome to share your blessings in the comments below so that we all feel empowered.

I will also be sharing a few gifts that I have received & given that has helped me in my journey of ‘ healing power of gratitude”.

For Example My Husband

• My husband- I was an orphan (since my parents had died before I was 25) life as a woman wasn’t easy for me. I was working as an ESL Instructor in Oman but I craved for a partner. I prayed in different Churches. People thought I was crazy to believe that Jesus was going to get me a husband. But he did. And what a husband. 

I have known many women who just criticize their husbands.

 For those sisters I would say look for good in your man & he will see good in you.

Being married and having a partner that loves you is such a blessing.

For Instance our Health

•  Our Health- Physical health is so important for us to live a meaningful life. Our bodies are Temples of God and if we were to treat them well we could be strong. I am as guilty as anyone else for not taking care of myself but somehow God has kept me healthy. 

 When I came to the USA  I just loved eating the sweets- whether it was Oreos, or the ice-cream with fruit loops. I am surprised I never got seriously ill. But when Chinese Virus hit the USA I got worried.

 So, in July I started my daily walks & now am in yoga. I am also part of Real Appeal a great program if you can join it.

Please do something. You could buy this cool tank top when you go for your morning jog.

Go for a walk, drink more water, stress less & be a mindful eater. 

So, I am very grateful for our good health.

• Our jobs- Working for home, working in Corporate America or being self employed. I have done it all. All are good because they help you & your self esteem. 
• My favorite childhood memory is my mother reading stories from the Bible.

I am very grateful that both me & my husband are employed.

• My Country USA – When I came to this country as an immigrant (by marriage) I could see the reason why the rest of the world wanted to be here. The USA is a truly Democratic Republic country that allows everyone to grow. 

Contrary to common lies by the media, Americans are very open, fun loving and generous people. There was an article that said

Americans top the list of donations to Charities in the World. 

The USA & The Healing Power of Gratitude

• My Religion- Christanity. You will notice I didn’t say Latter Day Saints or a Mormon (commonly known). Reason is simple. 

I grew up in Delhi, India as a Methodist. In our family -my father’s older sister ‘s family is Jevohah Witness, his youngest sister’s family is  Catholic, his two brother’s family were Baptist, my mother’s sister married a Saturday Mission gal (my aunt) and I married a Latter Day Saints. 

So, having seen them all from close I see a few differences but I love being a Latter Day.

 Contrary to the propagated belief we as LDS do  believe in Jesus and read the Bible. I wish all Evangelicals or Christians would overcome their differences and call themselves Christians.

I am very grateful that I am a Christian and Jesus is my Saviour.

• My friends- I have a friend from Delhi, India Rano who I have known since college. Then I have friends from Oman, Saudi where I worked and we still keep in touch. Harriet and Phebe are very dear to me. 

Here I have a really kind sister Nancy who has been a lifeline.

I have quite a few friends at work who I love and for whom I am grateful for.

As you can see this list can keep going. I am grateful for all those people who have touched our lives and made it better.

Practicing Gratitude as A Healer

Practicing gratitude may not prevent us from experiencing sorrow, anger, or pain, but it can help us look forward with hope. 

By counting our blessings, we can more fully appreciate and enjoy our lives as we work toward greater unity, kindness, honesty, and tolerance. There is definitely a healing power in gratitude especially when we realize that we have a lot more to be grateful for and then the miracle happens more blessings come our way.

Visit PowerofGratitude.org to view President Nelson’s message and learn more.

To read the story behind this inspired invitation, visit ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Thank you for stopping by.

What are your thoughts?