If we were to descend into the interior of the Mayflower II, the replica of the Pilgrim’s ship—we would be shocked at the closeness of the quarters. One hundred and two pilgrims crammed like sardines into a space about equal to that of a volleyball court; compound that misery by the lack of light, and fresh air, add to it a diet of dried pork, peas and fish and multiply it all by 66 days at sea.
I love the ocean—but I wouldn’t even want to be on a Princess Cruise with every convenience for two months! But they did it. They did it because of a sense of mission—faith—destiny. They were the original “Freedom Fighters,” willing to give up home, relative comfort, everything they knew for a fresh start. William Bradford wrote about their dream of America:
“All great and honorable actions are accompanied with great difficulties. And must be enterprised and overcome with answerable courage. It is clear that the dangers are great, but not desperate; the difficulties are many but not invincible…and all of them through the help of God with fortitude and patience will be borne or overcome.”
The Pilgrims’ pastor, Rev. John Robinson wrote of God’s calling on their lives: “We are being called to a new Jerusalem—to build God’s Temple anew…with ourselves as the stones.” Amazing! Such bravery and incredible faith.
Further, Rev. Robinson wrote, “It is not with us as with other people—whom small things can discourage or small discontentments cause to wish themselves home again.”
They set sail for the new world on August 5, 1620, and after two failed attempts on the ship, “Speedwell,” they transferred to the 90-ton Mayflower. The heat and pressure began soon after they got underway. One hundred and two pilgrims huddled in the lantern-lit darkness of the low-ceilinged ship. No hatches open because of continuous storms, all non-essential personnel required to stay below decks—the constant crying of small children—no chance to cook any meals—not even T.V. dinners. It added up to weeks of the hell of a dark, dank, rolling, inferno.
But no matter how ill they felt or how grim the daily situation, they prayed through despair—to peace and thanksgiving. At last on November 9, 1620, the cry, “Land Ho” rang out. Without waiting for the Captain’s permission, they rushed up to the deck where they caught their first glimpse of a long, sandy, stretch of coastline—one of the sailor’s identified it as a place the fishermen called, Cape Cod.
They continued sailing to a place the Pilgrim’s called Plymouth. “Strangers in a strange land,” that line from Exodus seemed singularly appropriate—it was a strange land. But the Pilgrims persevered and God gave them good Native American friends like Squanto and Massasoit, who literally kept them alive and taught them to survive in their new surroundings. Squanto helped in a thousand ways teaching them how to stalk deer, plant pumpkins, refine maple syrup, discern which herbs were good to eat and good for medicine and to find the best berries.
The Pilgrims were brimming over with gratitude. Not only to Squanto and the tribes who had been so friendly, but especially to God—in Him they had trusted and He honored their dreams.
So, Gov. Bradford declared a public day of Thanksgiving in October of 1621. Their Native American friends were invited and over 90 came. The Indians brought with them five deer, over a dozen turkeys and they helped with the preparations for the occasion.
They showed the Pilgrim women how to make hotcakes and tasty puddings and taught them an Indian delicacy—how to roast corn kernels in an earthen pot until they pop-pop-popped fluffy and white—popcorn!!
The pilgrims, in turn, provided many vegetables like carrots, onions, turnips, cucumbers, and radishes. Also, blueberry, apply, cherry and pumpkin pies.
They began Thanksgiving Day with a prayer of thanks. Between meals, the Pilgrims and Indians happily competed in contests and games. They were having so much fun—eating, playing and being thankful—the first Thanksgiving Celebration lasted for three days.
That’s how it all started. God’s beautiful plan for America. We should all be encouraged by the faith and strength of both our Native American and Pilgrim ancestors. It was their belief and hard work that created the foundation for what we have today. I am so thankful for and proud of them.
Now it’s our turn to achieve, reach and accomplish. Most of all, it’s our turn to be thankful.
Let’s pray:
Dear Lord, thank You for those brave families who gave so much to create the place we call “America the Beautiful.” Thank You for helping them and for now helping us to carry on the tradition of faith. We love You and praise You today and forever. In Jesus’ Name. Amen
