Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving week has me in all the feels. Y’all know the ones I’m talking about--

- thankfulness for my blessings
- excitement at seeing family
- grief because there are ones I won’t see
- sadness for those without enough family, food, or love

Bettie King, daughter of the late Gladys Tolliver; Holly Rabalais, author of Why Woodville?; and Woodrow Price, grandson of the late Gladys Tolliver at the Granny’s Kitchen event.

But also this week I’ve been overcome with awe and gratitude at a community that exudes such thoughtfulness and love to this “outsider.” From a public official who reached out and invited me to revival at her church to the welcoming hugs and smiles from the members of the church we officially joined Sunday, I have felt so welcomed.

Then yesterday--wow! I was invited to attend Granny’s Kitchen where I enjoyed a fantastic meal and wonderful conversations with many people I had not yet met. And Ms. Bettie King gives hugs that just make tears of happiness seep from your eyes!

Some people think it’s easy for an extrovert to walk into a room full of people she doesn’t know, but if I’m being real, it’s never easy. However, I read something today that author Shannan Martin said about going to a Thanksgiving meal at the home of some neighbors she barely knew.

Woodrow Price emotionally speaks about his late grandmother Gladys Tolliver and her legacy while other grandchildren offer support.

She said, “If we want to experience true comfort, we first have to swallow that awkward lump of discomfort….Let comfort be our offering, not our guide.”

Even the best relationships begin with awkwardness (ever changed the diaper of your newborn or gone on a first date with your spouse?!). Change starts with discomfort, and community happens when we choose to let go of our own expectations, traditions, and comfort and dare to engage with someone different.

Shannan went on to say, ”All we felt was accepted. Included. Not just welcomed, but gathered up and waved in.” That is exactly how I have felt this week in my community. That is "Why Woodville?"

Great-grandchildren and grandchild of the late Gladys Tolliver taking a break and enjoying a plate at Granny's Kitchen, an event honoring her and carrying on her legacy of feeding others.