Thanksgiving: A Day Of WorshipParaugs

The Civil War was at its height when President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. On October 3, 1863, amidst 50,000 fallen soldiers, destroyed battlegrounds, and an entire population at odds with each other. 

Recently, the United States has endured several tragedies: hurricanes, large-scale fires, mass shootings, a heroin epidemic, terrorism. 

Perhaps this year you are struggling to find something to be thankful for. Or maybe this season has always been difficult for you. 

A brutal war had torn America apart when Thanksgiving was declared, just after the battle of Gettysburg had just been won. A battle that changed the course of American history, paving the way for freedom and democracy. 

Has God ever called you to give thanks during a season of conflict and turmoil? 

Somehow, practicing gratitude in such seasons can shift the atmosphere.