Girma’s Christmas Message
Girma Bishaw, Director & Founder
Gratitude Initiative
Needless to say, 2020 has been a year of challenge, uncertainty, confusion and sadness not only as individuals, families, communities and nations but for the whole of humanity. Many have experienced trauma, lost their loved ones and been affected mentally, economically and physically. Our hearts and prayers go out to those who are most affected. We pray for 2021 to be a year of restoration and joy.
On the other hand, 2020 was also a year where we witnessed the generosity, kindness, and sacrificial services of many people. Many stood and walked alongside the venerable, the deprived and the needy. The services, professions which were under the Radar, unnoticed and ignored recognised to be crucial to our wellbeing and functionality. Through it all, I believe and hope that we have learned life-changing lessons.
In my part, the pandemic taught me to discover the extraordinary-ness of the ordinary. There is nothing ordinary in life if we become thankful observant. I learnt never to take life as granted. I learnt to acknowledge my limitation and my need for others. I also learnt the beauty of kindness and generosity. That is what gratitude teaches us. When we are grateful, we are acknowledging our limitation, the interdependency of human life, the contributions of others.
Let’s use the opportunity of Christmas not only to express our gratitude to God who gave us the ultimate gift, His Son, Jesus Christ; but also, to our neighbours, friends and families and to those who have and are contributing to our life.
For Gratitude Initiative, 2020 has been the beginning of a new chapter to promote a gratitude culture in Britain.
We launched the initiative on the 28th of November. (You can watch it here) Let me take this opportunity to thank those who made the launch an unforgettable event and my gratitude for hundreds of people who joined us online. Thank you for your encouraging messages.
As a team of Gratitude Initiative, we wish you a joyous Christmas and fruitful New Year.
Thank you
Girma Bishaw, Director & Founder Gratitude Initiative
If you missed our #livelaunch2020 you can still watch it here.
