A grateful heart offers a way to fight back against a world that can seem steeped in negativity, according to messages from local church leaders that can be felt across denominations.
"With social media, things are just more intense and more divisive than they've probably been in the past, because people have access in a way that they didn't," said Pastor David Stewart, now in his 38th year with First United Methodist Church of Poplar Bluff. "Gratitude is one of those things that kind of refocuses us on what we have to be thankful for, the blessings that we have."
In the wake of mass shootings, turmoil amongst politicians and other conflict at a national level, the holidays have found many community members turning to church leaders to gain perspective.
"It's really easy to look at all the bad stuff and the negative, but for most of it, it's way outweighed by the good stuff," said Stewart, who has tried to answer these questions from the members of his church.
He asked his congregation to identify what is right in their lives, acknowledging that gratitude isn't always easy.
"In post-modern culture, we love to identify what's wrong rather than lifting up what's right," said Stewart.
Steve Proctor, senior pastor of Westwood Baptist Church, has recognized the same issue.
"People are bombarded with criticism every day. We are bombarded with negativity every day," he said.
Proctor has encouraged members of Westwood Baptist Church to not only recognize what they are grateful for, but to also give that voice.
"You should vocalize your gratitude to other people who have been a blessing to you," said Proctor, adding, "When you praise somebody, when you express gratitude to somebody for the positive things in their lives, it's going to encourage them to continue to cultivate those positive qualities."
Stewart issued three challenges, to remember everything good comes from God; to not let what an individual wants rob that person of what they already have; and to turn every blessing into praise.
"When the world around you is negative, fight back with gratitude," he said. "As a result, you'll lift your spirit -- and those around you."
Poplar Bluff School District embraced a similar attitude, starting the holiday season with a unique project.
Teachers were asked to name a student who inspired them to work in education, and then tell that student. The district filmed the effort, and it is now available on the Poplar Bluff High School Facebook page.
"We have amazing kids but sometimes we just get too busy to take the time to tell them that," instructor Kathryn Clark said in a press release. "They need to know how much we do appreciate and love them. They are the reason why we do what we do!"
Students were thanked for showing they cared about what they learned, their hard work, smiles that brightened days and for the lessons they teach.
"Your hard work and desire to be excellent also inspires me to up my game as a human being, and so, you're one of those rare students we get," said high school teacher Mitch Davis.
By expressing gratitude for kindness, it encourages that person to continue to show kindness in the lives of others, said Proctor, who has been senior pastor for 24 years.