In this season of Thanksgiving, many of our fellow brothers and sisters are downtrodden, meaning they are oppressed or mistreated by people in power. Oppressed people tend to feel hopeless, but they should really feel hopeful. Due to recent events in Congress, some federal employees have been furloughed, and benefits will be delayed for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. What exactly does it mean to be on furlough? Being on furlough means employees are granted an unpaid leave of absence from their jobs, with the anticipation of going back to work when the furlough ends. This generally happens when a government agency faces a temporary budget cut, such as during a government shutdown. While on furlough, employees do not receive a paycheck, but may still be able to keep their benefits. As a result of the government shutdown, food banks are experiencing shortages and families are pinching pennies with the funds that they do have to be able to buy groceries. Families may find it hard to give thanks under these circumstances. Nevertheless, God has opened the hearts of those who have the resources to help our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate. For instance, Kermit Ruffins, jazz trumpeter and singer, is distributing free meals Monday through Thursday at 5 p.m. throughout the month of November at the Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge, owned by Ruffins. He is a native of New Orleans and has a desire to give back to his community. I would say that this is something for which we should give thanks. As it states in Hebrews 13:16, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” So, let us set an extra place or two at the dinner table this Thanksgiving for someone to show how much we love them.

By Jacqueline C. Winston