Happy Thanksgiving.
As children, those of my generation were taught a story of Thanksgiving that included friendly, buckle-wearing Pilgrims and kindly, warm-hearted "Indians".
As I grew older, however, I learned that "history" is most often written by the winners and that there is always more to the story.
European settlers, and indeed, all conquering nations, portrayed their history in accordance with what are called "The Three Gs" of history, Gold, God and Glory; often d...istorting, ignoring or denying elements that they felt did not support their point of view.
We now know that many of those elements had to do with tremendous suffering and loss sustained by the Native American nations.
So, in my mind the historical basis for the holiday we celebrate today does not really exist.
As children, those of my generation were taught a story of Thanksgiving that included friendly, buckle-wearing Pilgrims and kindly, warm-hearted "Indians".
As I grew older, however, I learned that "history" is most often written by the winners and that there is always more to the story.
European settlers, and indeed, all conquering nations, portrayed their history in accordance with what are called "The Three Gs" of history, Gold, God and Glory; often d...istorting, ignoring or denying elements that they felt did not support their point of view.
We now know that many of those elements had to do with tremendous suffering and loss sustained by the Native American nations.
So, in my mind the historical basis for the holiday we celebrate today does not really exist.
As a result, over the years, I have not celebrated this day as the commemoration of a historical event, but with the belief and hope that, as a species, we can move forward in our understanding and acceptance of each other. Each year on this day, I remember what humanity is capable of, and I use that realization to reinforce my commitment to becoming a more compassionate, more loving, and more forgiving human being.
Letting go of the past does not mean we forget the sacrifices and pain of our ancestors. Nor does it minimize the tragedy of those forced to endure cruel and unfair treatment at the hands of their oppressors.
Instead, it honors their sacrifice as the gift that it is, enabling us to use that sacrifice as a catalyst for future change which ensures that no other being will ever have to experience that loss again.
It is crucial that people of ALL nations honor the Spirit of our culture and heritage in our hearts, with an eye towards the future, and the goal of creating anew and strengthening our ties to each other *as we are now*.
So, with that in mind, I say "Happy Thanksgiving"-may we all give thanks that Love and Understanding are still a part of this world. May we give thanks to those who strive for the betterment of all Souls. May we give thanks for the clarity that comes with perspective.
But, most of all, may we give thanks for each other; for the diversity that makes us endlessly fascinating, for the strengths and challenges that we all face and for the lessons that these things teach us about ourselves.
May you all have a peaceful Thanksgiving.
-Grace
Letting go of the past does not mean we forget the sacrifices and pain of our ancestors. Nor does it minimize the tragedy of those forced to endure cruel and unfair treatment at the hands of their oppressors.
Instead, it honors their sacrifice as the gift that it is, enabling us to use that sacrifice as a catalyst for future change which ensures that no other being will ever have to experience that loss again.
It is crucial that people of ALL nations honor the Spirit of our culture and heritage in our hearts, with an eye towards the future, and the goal of creating anew and strengthening our ties to each other *as we are now*.
So, with that in mind, I say "Happy Thanksgiving"-may we all give thanks that Love and Understanding are still a part of this world. May we give thanks to those who strive for the betterment of all Souls. May we give thanks for the clarity that comes with perspective.
But, most of all, may we give thanks for each other; for the diversity that makes us endlessly fascinating, for the strengths and challenges that we all face and for the lessons that these things teach us about ourselves.
May you all have a peaceful Thanksgiving.
-Grace
