Attitude of Gratitude

By Sarah Kittle

November calls us to pause — to gather with loved ones, share a meal, and give thanks for the blessings that surround us. For the Chaldean community, gratitude runs deeper than a single season. It is rooted in faith, family, and tradition — values that have carried the community through hardship and continue to illuminate its future. This month, we celebrate that spirit through stories that reflect generosity, perseverance, and pride in heritage.

In our cover story, we explore the breathtaking collection of paintings at the new Chaldean Community Foundation building in West Bloomfield, CCF West. The walls come alive with the artistry of Reni Stephan, whose vibrant works depict the symbols and spirit of Mesopotamia — from the Ishtar Gate to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Together, these masterpieces serve as a bridge between the ancient and the modern, connecting Chaldeans today with the grandeur of their ancestral homeland. Each brushstroke tells a story of identity, belonging, and the beauty of a culture that has endured for millennia.

Among the pieces displayed outside the Mar Ibrahim Library are icons of Saint Ephrem the Syrian and Saint Isaac the Syrian, two revered figures whose lives of devotion and wisdom continue to inspire. Their presence within CCF West brings sacred history into the heart of the community’s newest gathering place.

Through these icons, faith and creativity converge — offering visitors a quiet reminder that gratitude often begins with reflection, reverence, and the desire to preserve what is holy. The artwork transforms the building into more than a center for resources and connection; it becomes a living museum of faith, culture, and collective memory.

Elsewhere in this issue, A Modern Day Saint reminds us that holiness is not distant or unattainable; it lives in the choices we make each day — in kindness, service, and integrity. Coming to America: Remembering Who We Are and Learning Sureth explore how gratitude for opportunity is intertwined with preserving familial roots —language, traditions, and faith. In Law Students on the Rise, we meet young Chaldeans who embody this same gratitude through purpose, seeking not only achievement but justice, compassion, and service to others.

From the soccer field in our Sports story to the thriving spirit of the Shenandoah Young Adult Committee, we see how leadership and community are flourishing among new generations who proudly carry the torch of their ancestors. Their energy and dedication remind us that the legacy of gratitude is not static — it grows stronger as it is passed on.

Gratitude grounds us. It reminds us that even as we reach for more, we are already surrounded by abundance — in history, art, faith, and people. May this season inspire you to notice those blessings, share them freely, and give thanks for the story we continue to write together.

Sarah Kittle
Editor in Chief