Although not American, I love the Thanksgiving holiday and enjoy the opportunity to thank the Lord for all the blessings that He lavishes on us. Last Sunday, our Pastor told us the story of how Sarah Hale (who wrote the kindergarten song, "Mary Had a Little Lamb") was instrumental in establishing the Thanksgiving holiday. It's a tale of perseverence and I was inspired.Whenever I'm curious about a Christian who made a difference, I turn to one of my favorite websites, the Christian History Institute. Here's a quote from one of their pages:
"Sarah's greatest achievement was to make Thanksgiving a holiday in the United States. She used her popular magazines as a forum to advocate this national day of gratitude to God. Sarah worked tirelessly towards this goal for over fifteen years before Lincoln issued his Thanksgiving Proclamation in August, 1863. Not a bad track record for a girl educated at home, largely by her own efforts.
She retired when she was ninety, writing "I must bid farewell to my countrywomen, with the hope that this work of half a century may be blessed to the furtherance of their happiness and usefulness in their Divinely-appointed sphere." To read the rest of the story, click here
As you enjoy your turkey and stuffing, remember Sarah's desire that we would all express our gratitude to our Lord. We have so much to be grateful for.
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