Thanksgiving has just passed, and I couldn’t relate more to the pilgrims. I have just traveled across the country. Somewhere where I know no one and know very little about. Everyone warned that moving would be hard, and it was. Yet I am here to say, hard is not the same thing as bad. In fact, my husband and I have seen in so many ways how God is using this move or has already used it.
Jessica Railsback
There is so much to be grateful for, so much to stand back in awe. I think of the first Thanksgiving, and I completely understand it. When we were deep in the trenches of the move, I could feel it taking its toll on me. So in every moment, I took the time to recognize the things I was most grateful for.
Quickly, my heart began to find so much joy in everything around me. As Thanksgiving approached, my heart overflowed with gratitude. We didn’t spend Thanksgiving alone or flying back home. We spent Thanksgiving with our new church family, who have adopted us like their own.
Like the pilgrims, we spent our day celebrating with those who have shown us the lay of the land. I think this is the first Thanksgiving where I have fully comprehended the richness of the holiday. I am grateful for how God has led us. I am thankful for the co-workers, church members, and community that have accepted us as their own. They have truly gone above and beyond in showing us kindness.
If someone asked me whether this was the right move, my answer would be a firm yes. All of this has inspired a whole host of literature. So keep an eye out for my next poetry collection called “Bondservant of Grace.” As I close, I have decided to share part of a poem in my upcoming collection. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas, everyone.
( Hard is not the same thing as bad.
And for that I am glad.
Glad for the lessons I’ve learned.
Glad for the skills I’ve earned.
Glad humility is an opportunity.
Glad I can appreciate serenity.
Yes, hard is not an end.
Hard is the refiner of the perfect blend…)
DECEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER
Renewed Dream 