From Linda Wells
Monroe
I was listening to a BBC radio broadcast early one morning. The British reporter was speaking about his visit to Russia. He was surprised to see people, especially students, embracing Joseph Stalin as a wonderful leader.
How could a man history records as a ruthless dictator, responsible for incredible human suffering by murdering masses of his own countrymen, be a hero? It's called revisionist history.
I was reminded of the historical account of America's first Thanksgiving. English Separatists broke away from the Church of England early in 1600 to more fully conform to the Bible, thus came religious persecution. They emigrated to Amsterdam, Holland and planned another move to North America.
Much of their transatlantic voyage are recorded by eyewitness, Gov. William Bradford in "Of Plymouth Plantation." He records God's providence by guiding the Pilgrims through hardship and sickness during their 65 days at sea.
Of the 102 passengers, 37 on board were Separatists. On Nov. 11,1620 before leaving the Mayflower, the group signed the Mayflower Compact to govern themselves rightly, also known as America's first Constitution.
The Pilgrims finally settled in Plymouth in mid-November. They providentially stumbled on an abandoned dwelling near a fresh water pond and baskets of corn for eating and spring planting.
Samoset of the Algonquin tribe appeared speaking broken English. Samoset spoke of Squanto, another Indian, who spoke excellent English. Squanto gave expert advice on hunting and fishing, planting and fertilizing crops and dealing with local Indians. Bradford records Squanto lived with the colonists, who considered him "special instrument sent by God."
Those Pilgrims survived the first winter, planted in the spring and harvested sufficient to feel bountifully blessed. The first Thanksgiving was a spontaneous and sincere act of rejoicing in the bounty the Almighty God had spared them to enjoy. Another eyewitness, Edward Winslow in "Mourts Relation," records the account of a three-day period with 51 colonists and 90 Indians feasting and giving thanks to God, "the One from whom all blessings flow."
History records providentially thankful Pilgrims on that first Thanksgiving celebration. "Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him and bless His name." (Psalm 100:4)
So ... is it Thanksgiving we celebrate the 4th Thursday of November or secular turkey day? Are the Russians the only ones revising history for their students?
Read the historical account for yourself in the sources mentioned and share this truth with your children and grandchildren as you gather around the Thanksgiving table.
Monroe
I was listening to a BBC radio broadcast early one morning. The British reporter was speaking about his visit to Russia. He was surprised to see people, especially students, embracing Joseph Stalin as a wonderful leader.
How could a man history records as a ruthless dictator, responsible for incredible human suffering by murdering masses of his own countrymen, be a hero? It's called revisionist history.
I was reminded of the historical account of America's first Thanksgiving. English Separatists broke away from the Church of England early in 1600 to more fully conform to the Bible, thus came religious persecution. They emigrated to Amsterdam, Holland and planned another move to North America.
Much of their transatlantic voyage are recorded by eyewitness, Gov. William Bradford in "Of Plymouth Plantation." He records God's providence by guiding the Pilgrims through hardship and sickness during their 65 days at sea.
Of the 102 passengers, 37 on board were Separatists. On Nov. 11,1620 before leaving the Mayflower, the group signed the Mayflower Compact to govern themselves rightly, also known as America's first Constitution.
The Pilgrims finally settled in Plymouth in mid-November. They providentially stumbled on an abandoned dwelling near a fresh water pond and baskets of corn for eating and spring planting.
Samoset of the Algonquin tribe appeared speaking broken English. Samoset spoke of Squanto, another Indian, who spoke excellent English. Squanto gave expert advice on hunting and fishing, planting and fertilizing crops and dealing with local Indians. Bradford records Squanto lived with the colonists, who considered him "special instrument sent by God."
Those Pilgrims survived the first winter, planted in the spring and harvested sufficient to feel bountifully blessed. The first Thanksgiving was a spontaneous and sincere act of rejoicing in the bounty the Almighty God had spared them to enjoy. Another eyewitness, Edward Winslow in "Mourts Relation," records the account of a three-day period with 51 colonists and 90 Indians feasting and giving thanks to God, "the One from whom all blessings flow."
History records providentially thankful Pilgrims on that first Thanksgiving celebration. "Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him and bless His name." (Psalm 100:4)
So ... is it Thanksgiving we celebrate the 4th Thursday of November or secular turkey day? Are the Russians the only ones revising history for their students?
Read the historical account for yourself in the sources mentioned and share this truth with your children and grandchildren as you gather around the Thanksgiving table.
