Thank a Christian Writer for This Holiday

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

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.