Lincoln Said it best

When Thanksgiving became our national holiday there were no Black Fridays or Cyber Mondays although the skies were indeed black with the smoke and gunpowder covering the fields of the civil war.

Lincoln knew that in spite of his stand with the Union in the military conflict the hurt and sorrow being inflicted across the nation was shared by all Americans regardless of the side they fought on.

He reminded us that when we reflect on our own prosperity we are called to share it with those in need.

Lincoln wrote:The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.”

He then went on to say: “No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”

His reflection on mercy and the necessity of our survival on its distribution speaks volumes. Lincoln was not afraid to share his faith and his certainty that we are certainly undeserved yet blessed nonetheless.

Lincoln in summation reminds all Americans that our Thanksgiving celebration is a time to be and do for others when he closed by saying “And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers….”

When you get ready to close out this national celebratory weekend Orchid invites you to heed his call and make such deliverance to one or both of the two communities Orchid is trying to lift up this month. http://orchidsoflight.org/whats-happening-giving-tuesday/

After all; Lincoln said it best!

Share

Leave A Comment