Holding Joy and Pain This Thanksgiving
November's letter.
Thanksgiving week is here—time to break out the stretchy pants, load up on mashed potatoes, and maybe catch some football on TV!
But what if your heart feels more “heavy” than “thankful” this year? What if you’re bringing grief, disappointment, or hard questions to the table alongside the turkey and stuffing?
Friend, you’re not alone.
If you’ve been here for a while, you know I’m bringing my own heartache to this year’s Thanksgiving table. But this year, I’m also incredibly blessed to be called Mimi for the very first Thanksgiving! My heart holds both the ache and the joy—because life is rarely just one or the other.
And that’s how I know: sometimes, gratitude and grief have to sit at the same table.
So if you’re feeling the tension of “too much” and “not enough,” or the contradictions of joy and pain, know this: it’s okay. It’s okay to feel the ache of what’s missing even as you whisper thanks for what remains.
Here’s my encouragement for you this week:
Let yourself feel what you need to feel. Declare, “This, too, is true.” You don’t have to minimize your pain or push through with an “overcomer hustler” mindset (shoutout to Stephanie Duncan Smith for that phrase from Even After Everything). Give yourself permission to hold joy and pain, celebration and disappointment, abundance and scarcity—because life is rarely a straight line. It’s a rollercoaster of ups and downs, and every feeling you bring to the table is valid.
Find one small anchor. A favorite song, a breath prayer, or even a token you keep in your pocket—look for something that reminds you there’s still solid ground beneath your feet, even if it feels a little shaky right now.
Trust that you are held. I know this is easier said than believed, especially when life hurts. I’ve been there, too—more times than I can count. And I can tell you this with confidence: you are not alone. God is with you, through the highs and the lows, the joy and the pain.
Your joy and your pain belong at the table, friend. So make space for both, and trust that neither diminishes the other.
From my heart to yours,
Lisa
P.S. If this season feels especially heavy for you, I’d love to hear from you. Reply to this email and let me know how I can pray for you.
“In the aftershocks of suffering, the most important choice we can make is to accept the exquisite absurdity that pain and joy are both parts of a meaningful life.”
~ Stephanie Duncan Smith
Beauty Hunt
Here’s a glimpse into my November beauty hunt—small reminders that there’s still beauty to be found even in hard times. #beautyhunt #beautyinashes
Game-Changers
Ever wonder why so many men grow mustaches in November? It’s all because of an incredible nonprofit called Movember! They’re on a mission to tackle men’s health issues like prostate and testicular cancer, as well as mental health challenges and suicide prevention. One of their amazing resources is the True North program, which offers tools and support for men navigating prostate cancer. But what I love most is that Movember’s work reminds us all—men and women alike—of the importance of taking care of our mental health, especially during tough seasons like a cancer diagnosis or caregiving. You can check them out here to see how they might support you or someone you love.
Here’s something I’ve been loving lately: organic hot chocolate from Taylor Dukes Wellness. Taylor Dukes, a cancer survivor passionate about clean living, created this cozy treat with simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s creamy, delicious, and perfect for those chilly winter evenings. I love that it feels like an indulgence but is made with your health in mind. Whether curled up with a blanket or need a comforting pick-me-up, this hot chocolate is a game-changer. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite! It’s a seasonal item and only available for a limited time, so be sure to check it out before it’s too late!
The last game-changer this month is a unique gratitude journal from The Keeping Company that I’ve been loving. Celia gifted it to me for Mother’s Day, and it’s unlike any other journal I’ve used. It’s a hardcover, linen-bound journal that helps me savor each day by listing three things I’m thankful for. Each page starts with a few verses from the Sermon on the Mount, followed by a prayer, and then space for me to list three blessings from my day. What makes it so special is that at the end of each month, I get to look back at what I wrote on the same day in previous months, giving me a beautiful record of my growing gratitude. It’s a wonderful way to reflect on all of God’s good gifts, and right now, it’s 50% off through November 29th!
A Gift of Hope
Do you need a thoughtful gift for yourself or a beloved cancer warrior or caregiver? Explore the "For Such a Time as This" planner at Quiet Hope – a purposeful companion designed to bring organization and encouragement throughout the cancer journey. Discover the perfect blend of practicality and inspiration. Click below to shop and share the gift of hope!
Healthy Bites
Fluffy Homemade Marshmallows
Who says a treat this fun and delicious can’t fit into a “healthy-ish” lifestyle? This week, I tried Danielle Walker’s homemade marshmallow recipe, and let me tell you—these little clouds of goodness are delicious—fluffy, sweet, and perfect for topping your favorite hot chocolate (or sneaking straight from the pan). They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and surprisingly easy to make, so you can feel good about indulging without compromising on flavor. If you want to make some, then make sure to click the link below!
If you enjoyed this month’s Warrior Connection, would you consider sharing it with someone you know by clicking the share button below? Let’s keep growing our connections because we’re better together, friend.