Let Judah Go First — A November of Gratitude.

November is the month of Thanksgiving at Ruthy Michaels. It is a time to pause, reflect, and honour the quiet victories of the year—not just the goals we reached, but the grace that carried us through.

A woman in quiet reflection—eyes closed, hands over heart.

This year, I’m showcasing three heartfelt offerings:

• Gratitude Journal for Adults — a space to reflect, release, and rejoice

• Gratitude Colouring Book for Children — gentle pages for little hands and big hearts

• Thankful Reflections: Scriptures of Gratitude Colouring Book — verses to colour, meditate on, and share.

But beneath the ink and paper lies a deeper story that reminds me of Benjamin, the child of Jacob’s old age. Born in sorrow, renamed in strength, Benjamin was held close because he was all that remained after Rachel died and when Joseph disappeared. He was a child of memory, a child of legacy, a child of consolation and comfort.

When famine came, the brothers feared leaving Benjamin behind with Joseph. “If we leave him,” they said, “our father will die.” Judah offered to stay in Benjamin's place. they could not go back to Israel ( Jacob) without Benjamin. And later, when the tribes of Israel had to confront Benjamin in battle, they wept. I can't imagine having a battle against one of their own. It is just like the head fighting against one of the hands. It's not as if Israel was attacking another country like the Philistines, the Ammonites, or the Moabites.

They went before the Lord. And God said, “Let Judah go first.” Judah—whose name means praise.

Sometimes, even when the struggle is within, praise must lead.

So this November, I choose praise. I choose gratitude. I prefer to honour the parts of me that feel fragile, but are held by grace. I celebrate what remains, what heals, and what still hopes.

I overlook the things that did not work, the hope dashed against the ground, and the disappointments and frustrations. I choose to praise Him.

So, in November, let Judah go first. Let gratitude rise. I am grateful because I am alive, healthy, and hearty. I am thankful for a roof over my head and food on the table. I am thankful for how He has brought me. Why are you grateful? Kindly drop your comments, likes, and share.

Habakkuk 3 vs 17-19 " Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,¹⁸ yet I will rejoice in the Lord,    I will be joyful in God my Savior.

¹⁹ The Sovereign Lord is my strength;    he makes my feet like a deer's, enabling me to tread on the heights." ( NIV)