Thank a Christian Writer for This Holiday

Meet the woman many have called the mother of Thanksgiving in America.

Nov 28, 2024

While the turkey and dressing gather much of the spotlight today, the woman often called the “Mother of Thanksgiving,” Sarah Josepha Hale, played a pivotal role in establishing the day as we know it. A devout Christian and a widow with five children, Hale believed gratitude was a discipline capable of transforming lives, families, and even nations.

Hale’s story is not just about a holiday; it’s about the extraordinary power of thankfulness. Her journey reveals how choosing to be thankful, even in difficult circumstances, can ripple outward, creating unity, healing divisions, and inspiring others to draw closer to God. Thanksgiving, in her eyes, was not just a feast or a tradition—it was a reflection of a heart disciplined in gratitude.

A Vision for a Grateful Nation

Sarah Hale’s life was a testament to resilience and faith. Widowed at the age of 34, she faced the daunting task of raising five children alone. Yet, rather than succumbing to despair, she leaned on her faith in God. Hale began writing, believing it was her calling to inspire others. As the editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, one of the most influential publications of her time, she used her platform to champion Christian values, family unity, and education for women.

But her greatest campaign was for Thanksgiving. For 17 years, Hale wrote letters to U.S. presidents and other leaders, advocating for a national day of gratitude. She envisioned a day where Americans, regardless of their circumstances, could pause to thank God for His blessings. In 1863, amid the Civil War’s turmoil, President Abraham Lincoln responded to her plea, declaring Thanksgiving a national holiday.

Hale’s vision reminds us that gratitude is not reserved for times of peace and plenty. Instead, it becomes most powerful in the face of hardship. Her faith in God’s providence inspired her to believe that a day of thanksgiving could unite a fractured nation.

The Discipline of Being Thankful

Gratitude does not come naturally in every season. It is a discipline—a choice to look beyond challenges and recognize God’s hand at work. Hale’s life illustrates this truth. By practicing thankfulness, she cultivated a perspective that saw opportunity in hardship and blessing in the ordinary.

The Bible calls us to this discipline in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This command reminds us that gratitude is not just an emotion but an act of faith. When we choose to give thanks, we align our hearts with God’s, trusting that He is working for our good.

Sarah Hale’s persistence in pursuing her vision shows us how this discipline can extend beyond ourselves. Thanksgiving is not merely personal—it has the power to inspire and transform those around us.

Gratitude That Changes Lives

Thanksgiving draws us into deeper connection with others. It reminds us to cherish the people God has placed in our lives and to celebrate His goodness in the relationships we share. Hale’s advocacy for a national Thanksgiving was rooted in her belief that family and community are reflections of God’s love. She saw the home as a sacred place where gratitude could flourish.

Today, as we gather around our tables, we have the same opportunity to practice this gratitude. Every shared meal, heartfelt laugh, or whispered prayer is a testament to God’s presence among us. These moments, though simple, hold the power to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

But the impact of thankfulness doesn’t stop at our homes. It ripples outward, influencing those we encounter. Gratitude inspires kindness, fosters unity, and helps us see others through God’s eyes. Sarah Hale believed in this potential, and her vision for Thanksgiving as a national holiday shows how thankfulness can shape not just families but entire communities.

A Nation United in Thanksgiving

Hale’s persistent campaign for Thanksgiving culminated during one of the darkest chapters in American history. In the midst of the Civil War, a time of division and despair, she believed gratitude could be a unifying force. When President Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, he echoed Hale’s conviction that even in hardship, there is reason to give thanks to God.

Sarah never gave up. The government finally gave in. Faith moved a mountain.

This act of national gratitude reminds us of the power of collective thanksgiving. When we come together to acknowledge God’s blessings, we find strength and hope. Gratitude bridges divides and reminds us that we are all under God’s care.

A Call to Live Gratefully

Sarah Josepha Hale’s legacy challenges us to live with thankful hearts, not just on Thanksgiving but every day. Her life demonstrates that gratitude is a discipline with the power to transform. It changes how we see our circumstances, how we interact with others, and how we view the world.

As we reflect on her story, we are reminded that thanksgiving is not merely a holiday tradition. It is a way of life—a way of drawing closer to God, celebrating His goodness, and inspiring others to do the same.

This Thanksgiving, I am deeply thankful for you - my subscribers, followers and those who visit here to read my work. I am praying a prayer for you today, that you may embrace the discipline of being thankful.

Let us celebrate the joy of family, reflect on God’s blessings, and carry forward the legacy of Sarah Josepha Hale. Let thankfulness grow your faith and your service into the full blessing that God has waiting for you. In doing so, we honor the true spirit of the holiday and discover the transformative power of gratitude in our own lives.