Posts Tagged ‘William Bradford’
The Heart of Thanksgiving
I appreciate reality more than fantasy–actual history compared to fictional stories. That’s why Shirley and I love “God-wink” movies. They tell an amazing story with actors and special effects, then at the end of the flick, show photos of the “real people” that inspired the movie.
There is something about a real struggle and the lessons learned that reaches our inner being and shouts, “that can be you too.”
During this special week when the United States uniquely celebrates Thanksgiving, I want to share two true stories to enlarge your grateful heart. Both are a testament that thankfulness is often forged in the furnace of affliction.
It is suffering that produces the heart of Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving–Remembering Plymouth Rock & the Pilgrims
I wrote about the Pilgrims recently while disagreeing with Bill O’Reilly about their faith. By all accounts from numerous original sources, those who landed in Plymouth in November of 1620 were some of the finest “Americans” these shores have ever welcomed.
I reprint today a very special visit I took to Plymouth Rock thirty-five years ago. This Thanksgiving we should thank our brave Pilgrim forefathers for their vision, wisdom and sacrifice that led to the making of the United States.
Thanksgiving: Our American Holy Day
Thanksgiving is a uniquely American “holy day” that arose out of the deep faith of our spiritual ancestors–especially the Pilgrims–who came to these shores in November of 1620. Other nations celebrate it (like Canada to the north), and Israel enjoyed many holidays that were used to give gratitude to God.
But our American Thanksgiving is different. It came primarily from a community of New Testament believers who not only grasped the importance of thanking God in all things, but experienced a providential act they never forgot.