Thanksgiving’s Roots

In 1619, English settlers celebrated the first Thanksgiving in Virginia after they’d just landed on our precious soil.

Then, in October 1621, American pilgrims celebrated the Thanksgiving all Americans know.

Among other things, these Mayflower survivors thanked God for their first harvest in the New World.

They were joined by the Wampanoag Indians for a feast that lasted three days!

However, it wasn’t until 1863 that Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation to declare Thanksgiving be nationally observed:

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity,…peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict;…and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November…as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

So, as we assemble tomorrow, let us remember the origins of our Thanksgiving. It’s not just a day to gather with family and friends to stuff our faces with wonderful food, watch a parade or football, and enjoy a much-needed day off from work—it’s a day to thank God for all He’s done for us as individuals and as a nation.

And after you thank Him for His blessings, might I suggest joining in President Lincoln’s prayer?

“Father God, we fervently implore You to heal the wounds of our nation and to restore it according to Your time frame and purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and unity.”

And please allow me to offer my thanksgiving:

Thank you, everyone, for your presence in my life. I may never meet you in person, but I treasure just having you as part of my LinkedIn family. I have enjoyed all you’ve taught me about your industries and passions, and I have appreciated each post you make that enlightens, encourages, and edifies.

I pray that 2023 is a wonderful year for you all, filled with success, prosperity, and contentment.

God bless!

Warmest regards,

Alicia Strickland

?(And click the link if you want to read President Lincoln’s complete proclamation. I didn’t cut much, but I know how it is to want to read something in its entirety. Enjoy!)