When words of thanks are not enough

By Monica Vest Wheeler

As the Thanksgiving holiday blankets our nation this week, the outpouring of words of gratitude and thanks are as abundant as the food and leftovers soon to be filling our bellies and fridges.

The traditional outpouring of generosity spills out through these final weeks of the year as the focus shines on the needs of the less fortunate, the hungry, the homeless, the jobless, the sick, the lonely. We are a blessed nation, yet one filled with great need.

The recent bitter and divisive election revealed our private and public pain, and it was not pretty. The still seething buckets of hatred and anger across this nation are excruciating to witness, and all it does is hurt more individuals.

The greatest lesson to be learned is that one person alone cannot solve the problems of such a diverse and challenged country. No matter who won, no matter your preference, there would be many who feel defeated.

As individuals, we cannot rely on any one president to erase our personal woes. We can't rely on any one elected official anywhere to make everything better. We have to step up and learn to take care of ourselves and rally with our neighbors to help those with the greatest needs.

In all the years I've worked with families affected by brain-related injuries, illnesses and diseases, the most powerful assistance doesn't come from Washington, D.C., or the state capital. It rises from within the community members who support each other and the organizations that meet the daily needs of families in crisis.

Don't look to D.C. for the answers. Look in the mirror. What have we given to the hungry, the homeless, the jobless, the sick, the lonely? Have we taught our children not to judge people by the color of their skin or religion? Do we speak up when we witness someone mock another person's physical or emotional challenge? Do we see the full spectrum of humanity, and how each of us is but one human being, with the endless potential to create a better world?

Abandon egos and embrace souls.

Reject intolerance and discover commonalities.

Turn a little empathy into a lot of action.