Cindy Thomson's Blog, page 20

Covid is the Grinch

Wishing you ALL a peaceful, meaningful Christmas.

Covid-19 may think it can stop Christmas, but…

Take it From Judy Garland

I was thinking about how the lyrics to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas fit for this Christmas so I read a little history on it. It was written for Judy Garland in Meet Me in St. Louis (1944). In this scene (video below) she’s singing it to her little sister who is sad because they have to move from their house.

Photo by daven Hsu on Unsplash

I remember the version sung by Frank Sinatra on his album A Jolly Christmas because it was one of those records (or rather the 60s version of it below) we played in my house when I was growing up. He changed one line from Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow… to Hang a shining star upon the highest bough, which is poetic and more cheerful but perhaps misses the point of the song. The message is to put on a happy face and look toward a more hopeful time.

https://www.amazon.com/Frank-Sinatra-...

I always like to look at things in the historical context. In June of 1944 came D-Day, the invasion of Normandy. In September an airborne operation into Germany was an Allied failure and many Allied troops were taken prisoner. While The Siege of Leningrad had been broken earlier that year, over a million people had died because of it, mostly from starvation. I think we tend to look at that year now as a turning point in the war, but for the people then, it was a bleak time. They didn’t know how it would turn out. They didn’t know if the Germans and the Japanese would become dictators of the world or if the Allies would prevail. It must have been hard to hang on to hope. Therefore, I think this song was meant to convey more than just comforting a child who didn’t want to leave her home. It was meant to encourage everyone. What do you think?

Remembering Your Ancestors With Heirlooms

Lots of people have family heirlooms. I’m fascinated to learn how they are collected, worn, or displayed. You may have seen some of mine on this blog, like my grandfather’s typewriter which has become my logo as a writer.

I have my grandmother’s watch. I’m 95% sure it’s her watch. I guess age is catching up to my capacity to remember things, but I’m pretty sure it is. I’ve kept it thinking I’d do something with it. Maybe turn it into necklace. I’ve seen some cool ideas on Pinterest. But I just can’t decide, so for now I’ve hung it on her picture. I guess that’s better than keeping it in a closet. I wish I had those pearls and earrings because I remember her wearing them a lot!

I’d love to hear what you’ve done with your heirlooms. Please share in the comments.

Hanging on to Hope

I may have blogged about this in the past, but bear with me (no pun intended) because I think there’s a message here for us all.

One Christmas many years ago my family went through a difficult time. I’m not going to give details because they are private, but suffice it to say it was a devastating time. My husband and I were in a coffee shop during this time in a place we’d never visited before, discussing our troubles. I had talked at length with my best friend and our pastor about this and they both said pretty much the same thing. “Don’t forget. There is always hope.”

The shop was decorated with trees and ornaments that were for sale. I looked past my husband’s shoulder and saw this (pictured above.) The message was so clear. Look at that angel bear. He is hanging on with one hand to a very short string. But that string is attached to hope. When you feel as though you’re only hanging on by a thread, hang on to hope. That’s enough.

I know so many people are hurting and suffering right now all over the world. Many are just hanging on by a thread. But if that thread is attached to hope, hope in Jesus, the One who came into the world to bring God to us, then that’s enough. More than enough. Even during times when it might not seem like it, trust. It will be enough.

So many around the world are praying for you. They might not know you or your name or exact circumstances, but it doesn’t matter. They pray anyway. God knows. Today, if you’re like me and doing quite well during this pandemic, be the one who prays for others. God bless us every one!

What’s the Word?

The word of the year, that is, my word. What will my word be for 2021?

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

I usually know by now. There aren’t many days left until we turn over the calendar. I’ve been thinking about it and praying about it for several months, not continuously, but it has been on the back of my mind.

I think what’s tripping me up is 2020’s word. Mine was grace. Little did I know how much I’d need that word this year. Well, God knew. God always knows. And then I got to interview Philip Yancey. He’s a writer who has spent a lot of time and a lot of words on the topic of grace. I truly did not know I’d be speaking to him live at our festival when I chose that word. But God knew.

I’m still amazed by that. (No pun intended if you know the title of Yancey’s popular book on the topic!) Aren’t we all a little apprehensive about the new year? Last year at this time we had no idea what was coming. It seems like five years ago, doesn’t it? This time we have an idea. I suppose 2021 will start off looking a lot like 2020 when it comes to the pandemic we’ve been enduring. The way this year caught us off guard, no wonder we’re a little cautious about making assumptions about what the new year will hold. And so, what will my word be? Do I really WANT to know?

Well, God knows…

Me? Still not sure. I’ll keep you posted.

Have you chosen a word? Care to share it in the comments?

Are you unsure what all this about? I’ve blogged about the practice before here. And here’s what I said when I picked my 2020 word.

Photo by Nigel Tadyanehondo on Unsplash