Today, as we observe the Thanksgiving holiday, may we be thankful for knowing our past, not to hold on to the past for a hindrance to the present, but rightly knowing who we are, will enable us as individual, and a collective to hold firmly to that which is dear to us.

399 years ago, on November of 1620, the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact, this was the beginning of their Plymouth Colony, and what would grow and transform into the United States of America. Through many toils and dangers, they were presented with the opportunity to ease the many burdens through the gratification of the heart.

Therein, the Pilgrims met with a native of the land, Squanto, of the Patuxet tribe. In spite of modern interpretations to mislead and divide, on the contrary Squanto became a teacher to the Pilgrims, and they became friends, working together and helping one another.

Early founder Governor William Bradford described Squanto as a special instrument sent of God for their good beyond their expectation.

With unity came content, and with the content of the heart, men will learn to be at peace in all situations by seeing the best thereof.

Likely due to the Pilgrims account of their past and their encounters with the Jews of Europe, before voyaging to the New World, having arrived, the influence of the Jews was felt throughout the New World. One of such was the Thanksgiving proclamation of June 20, 1676 in Massachusetts, likely based on the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, or (Sukkot)

Now, the Pilgrims and the natives joined together in thankfulness to the Lord as they celebrate and feasted for days.

This doesn’t sound like modern literature wherewith the white man is always at enmity with the natives. For such narrative is of one reason, to divide and destroy anything that is good about the United States of America.

The Lord once said to those who followed after Him, the world shall hate you, because they hate Me. As individual and collectives, we do not claim perfection. So then, if we are aware of our shortcomings, let us be thankful for any victory, by the grace of God, attributing to His preservation for us. While learning from our mistakes and glorying in the new day, from where we were, to where we are now.

To those we encounter like Squanto, and that which is to come. To all, God be the glory.

Happy Thanksgiving

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(Philippians 4:20)