Lessons from the Pilgrims

I find it funny that many of my kids' books and TV shows hit me in a different way than most adult programs. Their favorite shows like Clifford and Charlie Brown are more appealing to me than the morning news... and don't get me started on how much I love their Children's Bible. Sometimes we need to break things down in the most simplest of terms to fully grasp the magnitude. Do you agree?

Recently I was watching the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving/Mayflower Voyagers with the kids (a current household favorite), I was completely struck by the faith of the Pilgrims. I have always viewed Thanksgiving as a time to express to God and man what I am thankful for--- which is something I look forward to every year. However, I have never taken much time to think about the Pilgrims and what it actually meant to do what they did, and how it relates to today's culture.

I think we have a lot to learn from the Pilgrims.

The Pilgrims left England in 1620 in search of a safe land to practice their faith. They didn't agree with the religious practices of England-- and to disagree with the Church of England (which was also the Government of England) was treason. They took a stand and refused to accept what culture viewed as acceptable religion. Their voyage's foundation was on faith. 102 individuals put their lives in God's Hands in hopes to find a place where they could worship Him the way they believed. There were no apologies for their faith, only conviction.

There were no guarantees they would make it to the New World. There were no guarantees they wouldn't get sick. There were no guarantees of what could be waiting around the corner. Their only guarantee was God and their faith in Him.


I think I have a lot to learn from the Pilgrims.

Taking a stand for their beliefs, taking a step of pure faith, and completely trusting in God was the benchmark of the Mayflower Voyage. They endured extreme hardship and uncertainty on their oversea voyage. Upon settling in the New World, over 40 of the original 102 Pilgrims died that first winter. In the Spring-time, God provided the Native American Samoset to help the Pilgrims plant their food and thrive through the summer and fall.

After experiencing loss, sickness, pain, and even death of loved ones, how did they respond to God at their first harvest? They thanked Him. They did not curse Him, they did not scream "why me?", they did not turn their backs on Him. They simply thanked Him.


I think I have a lot to learn from the Pilgrims.

I am so thankful to live in the United States of America where freedom has been fought for (and continues to be fought for today). We are free from any true religious persecution, and free to worship as we choose. That is an incredible blessing, and one I don't take lightly.  This very day, there are individuals in other parts of the world being tortured, imprisoned, and killed for professing their faith in Jesus.   That is something i just can not comprehend.   

I think about the Pilgrims, the men and women being persecuted today, and the pure child-like faith of my five year old son who wants everyone to know about Jesus, and i am in awe of their bravery and boldness.   In a world where us "grown ups" are so careful not to offend one another, I am afraid we may run the risk of diluting the most important love message known to man.   The message of Jesus and His love for you and me.


I think I have a lot to learn from the Pilgrims.

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for the Pilgrim's example of bravery and boldness.  For their determination to thank God even after a season of hardship.  And for inspiring me to share my own story of faith.  Their story affects my story-- and for that, i am thankful.