Pastor Corey Brooks: Why I feel grateful during my trip to America across America

It has been cold these days on my way through America. We started in New York City on September 1st in the heat and scorching and now I love this crisp, cool air as I travel through the North Carolina countryside. At night, the Carolina sky is so clear that you can see the stars, which I often see from my Chicago neighborhood. Most of all, I love this time of year because it means giving thanks.

Walking down the main road-virginia line, I came to the oldest family-operated store in North Carolina, Buchanan’s store. It has been open since 1878 and one can only wonder at the kind of people who have come through its doors, from some old veleders.

There were beautiful flowers in front and thanks to the decorations everywhere. Above all, the people were nice to us. I sat on its front steps with my drink, taking a break from my walk, and it hit me hard how much I have to be thankful for this year.

Amidst the division and noise, a simple truth: America still has heart

Back home in Chicago, I saw the miracle of a community center – something I’ve dreamed of for over a decade – begin to be built. Seeing those bulldozers taking out the dirt, seeing those songs coming in, covered with cement, it’s been a long time since there was a construction with a good change in that area and I admit that I cried a few times. Thank you to all the donors and supporters who kept believing and making this possible. I thank everyone who worked hard to build this facility.

To all the Americans who have met me on this walk through city streets, back roads, country roads, front roads, and front steps, I say it from the bottom of my heart: thank you. Thank you for the honey, the sandwiches, the home cooked meals, and the generous donations that the Americans passed away. He comforted me, prepared me, prayed with me, lifted my spirits when I was down. Because of you, our children will know a better life.

From the rooftops of Chicago to a 3,000-mile walk, here’s how I’m fighting to restore America’s soul

Thank you for this beautiful nation of ours. He is complicated at times, and he is never perfect, but he is never finished, and he allows us to write our future. Thank you for this nation that allows a flawed person like me to find a way to serve their community. I love this nation that says just because things are the way they are that doesn’t mean they have to stay that way. You make the power of change possible within us and I hope I never betray that gift.

Above all, I thank God for guiding me through this life. He knew the streets before I took the first step. He was close to almost every conversation I had on this trip.

As I watch the trucks pass by on this country road, I am filled with gratitude for the sacred grounds I have walked these past days – churches, historic sites, old servant roads, slave camps. Every mile has taught me the same truth of gratitude: Those who came before us and those who built the paths we walk today, are the women and men to thank. It is our time on this earth, and we must build on what he is doing for a brighter future.

Click here for more Fox News information

Part of me is always sad at this time of year. I have held many funerals in my church where little boys and girls have been violently killed before they had a chance in life. Thanksgiving is often the most difficult holiday for their families because it is the time when they realize that their loved ones will not be at the table. I pray for those departed souls and thank them for the life they brought to us in their short time on earth. I thank them for teaching us to love life.

Above all, I thank God for guiding me through this life. He knew the streets before I took the first step. He was close to almost every conversation I had on this trip. None of the details escaped.

Click here to download the FOX News app

My gratitude is deep for him guiding me in this life because if he can lead a man like me this far, he can lead any of us at home.

The journey continues. The promise endures. Hope is always strong. And my gratitude to you all comes from my heart.

Click here to learn more from Pastor Corey Brooks