Episode 33: The Hand of Providence: Reflections on the History & Meaning of Thanksgiving

In this time of national conflict and division, at the fateful crossroads where we find our country, some reflection and perspective on Thanksgiving is healthy for us all. In this episode, Mike and Kelly discuss the history and meaning of this cherished American holiday with Christian author Penny Noyes. From the time of the Old Testament, to the Pilgrims' celebration in 1621, to the first Thanksgiving Proclamation of George Washington in 1789, to the Civil War-era proclamation of Abraham Lincoln in 1863, until today, the practice of humbling ourselves to actively give thanks to God has been an important part of who we are as a people.  As believers, we are called to nothing less, and as our forefathers understood, as Penny notes, "the command to give thanks is not based on our circumstances but on who God is. We are to thank God in anticipation of what He can do." HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL. SHOW NOTES: Pennynoyes.com Penny Noyes article at Christianity.com George Washington 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation Ronald Reagan 1988 Thanksgiving Address (Military Times video) www.MikeandKellyJohnson.com Produced by Strong Wave Media, LLC © 2022 Mike and Kelly Johnson