b'POLITICSA Season of Thanksgiving and GratitudeBy Senator Rhonda FieldsAofThanksgivingand Season GratitudeNovemberisthetimewepause across our nation to count our bless-ings,toremember,andtoembrace those who enrich our lives. Im grate-ful for a lot of things, but the things I\'m most thankful for is God\'s grace, family, community, our ancestors, and theservantleadershipandlegacyof RepresentativeElijahCummings.He was a cherished icon who recognized that we can do better, care more, and brought moral clarity to everything he did. He was an inspiration for all of us.Over the years, I\'ve quietly watched Elijah Cummings perform his legisla- Rhonda Fieldstivedutieswithintegrity,thought-fulness,dignity,andtruthwitha bold voice of conviction. Let me, justRepresentative Elijah Cummings recit-foramomentshareapoemthated in his first speech to Congress. FORGIVENESS IN DALLASwatch online: bocnews.com the black judge who imposed the sentence.Gods MinuteRecently, a friend told me she was tired ofDo we tend to forgive others outside of the I only have a minute. the word forgiveness. African American community too fast?Sixty seconds in it. She was referring to the situation in TexasHave we been so conditioned in surviving, Forced upon me, I did not choose it, whereawhiteDallaspoliceofficerwhoforgetting and forgiving to our own detri-But I know that I must use it. killedunarmedBothamJeaninhisownment? Give account if I abuse it.livingroomonlygot10yearsinprison. Life is not whereSuffer, if I lose it. And the stunning courtroom scene of for- This is the focus of a recent panel discussion Only a tiny little minute, giveness and compassion in which Amberwith community leaders:Dr Robin Holland, DrCarolynJones,DrMarjorieLewis,and you start but whereBut eternity is in it. Guyger, the white officerreceived a hugPsychotherapist Randy Craven. By Dr. Benjamin E. MaysnotjustfromBotham\'sbrotherbutfrom you end up. ElijahLife is not where you start but where you end up. Elijah Cummings was a good man, guided by his faith. A cou-Cummings was arageous man. A unifying force and true patriot. His spoken words uplifted us good man, guidedandembodiedthesaying,I\'drather see a sermon than hear one any day.by his faith. ASo, as I grasp this minute in which we are all living, I\'m sending you my warm wishes from home to home and courageous man. from heart to heart. May your stuffing be tasty. May you turkey be plump and your gravy have no lumps. Most of all, may your day be a beautiful reminder of the wonderful things in life. WishingyouaveryHappy Thanksgiving!Saying Goodbye to Elijah Cummings (1951-2019)Senior Democratic Congressman Elijah Cummings Passes away at age 68 from "complications concerning long-standing health challenges". BODY OF CHRIST NEWS NOVEMBER 2019 19'