Remembrance Sunday

Happy Sunday steemit family 💜

Remembrance Sunday: A Celebration of Survival and Thanksgiving

The first Sunday of August came with a different air I could feel it's presence even before I stepped out of bed. Maybe because it rained last night or because I pulled through July a month that drained physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. If that month had lasted a day longer, I honestly don’t know what it would have become . But here I am, standing tall breathing, smiling, and being grateful. So yes, today meant more than just another church service. It was Remembrance Sunday, and for me, it was personal

First Sunday in my church is not just a regular thanksgiving day. It’s that special Sunday when we look back, reflect, and rejoice. It's when we remember what we’ve been through both the good and the bad in the previous months but God remained faithful so we come and say thank You Lord, for keeping me. It’s like a spiritual checkpoint. A reminder that we’ve survived things we once thought would break us. And this time around, the atmosphere was nothing short of glorious.

I woke up in the morning with a quiet smile. I didn’t need any alarm to drag me out of bed. My heart was already awake. I had laid out my choir uniform the night before clean, tho I didn't iron them because of power shortage but I carefully hanged them in my wardrobe i That outfit is more than just a uniform for me. It carries a sense of peace and joy I can’t fully explain Whenever I wear it, I feel like myself bold, calm, and ready to worship. Iam fully in love with that outfit It’s one of those little things that make me feel like I belong somewhere. And after all I had been through in July, that feeling of belonging was everything I needed.

Church started at 800 a.m., but by 7:30 I was already there. The weather was cool, and the church compound looked extra colorful. It wasn’t long before the women started arriving in their numbers, all dressed in their matching outfits for the day head ties shining, wrappers tied with pride, and their faces glowing with joy. It was Women’s Sunday, too. A double celebration. Not only were we thanking God for life and protection, but the women had their own chance to shine, lead, and bless the congregation with their talents.

And trust women now when they show up, they show out. From the opening prayer to the praise session, you could already tell it was going to be a service to remember. The songs were deep, I particularly admire the praise leader she came loaded I pray for God's grace upon her. The dance steps were heavy, and the testimonies? My God! There’s nothing as humbling as hearing someone stand in front of the congregation and say, “I almost died, but God kept me,” or “I had no job, no strength but today, I am alive, and I am here.” Every testimony hit reflecting God’s mercy in people's lives to me I just smiled silently I could relate deeply with every word, every tear, every lifted hand

When it was time for the choir to minister, I stood with my fellow choristers, my heart pounding I didn't know why but I knew I was ready. Singing on a day like that? It felt like pouring out my soul with melody. The song we chose was one of gratitude, and from the first note, I knew it was going to reach hearts. The lyrics said "My heart is full of joy my lips are music filled to sing unto thee Lord who saved my soul there's none else like you oh lord that's why I say be thou exalted lord Thanks and praise be unto thee oh lord Glory and honor be to thy Name for the love you have for a poor sinner like me you died on the cross that I may have life there's none else like you oh lord that's why I say be thou exalted lord"The moment I opened my mouth, it was like all the pain and struggle of July melted into each line. I didn’t just sing. I poured myself out. And when we ended, the applause wasn’t even what moved me. It was the look on people’s faces the silent nods, the soft “Amen,” That’s when I knew we had done what God wanted us to do.

After the sermon, the real dance of thanksgiving began. The women led the way, but the choir and the youths weren't looking the outplayed them dancing down the aisle with their offering envelopes in hand. It wasn’t just about money. It was about showing appreciation. Some came with their children, others with their husbands, some even with friends who had stood by them during hard times. The drummers played like their lives depended on it, and the atmosphere shifted into pure celebration. The way people danced, you’d think it was December. But no, it was just the joy of August breaking in after the stress of July.

I too danced. Not because I had everything I wanted, but because I had survived. I danced because I made it. I danced because wearing that choir uniform meant I still had my voice, my strength, my place in God’s house. I danced because July came with shadows, but I’m still standing in the light of August. And for that alone, God deserved the praise.

After church, I took pictures remembrance Sunday reminded me that life may not always go as planned, but if we stay connected to God and to each other, we can survive anything. It reminded me that even in our quiet battles, God sees us, and He walks with us. It reminded me that worship isn’t just about songs; sometimes it’s about showing up, even when it’s hard. It’s about wearing that uniform, raising your voice, lifting your hands, and choosing joy.

So here’s to the month of August. Here’s to healing, growth, and new beginning the choir that sang with passion, and every heart that choose to dance today thanksgiving Sunday wasn’t just another Sunday. It was a reminder that we’re still here and that, on its own, is enough reason to praise. I am most grateful for my life

Inviting @m-fdo @imohmitch @peachyladiva