It simply didn't happen that way. If so...where are all the Indians? I mean, I occasionally see them but for the most part the majority are on reservations or they keep to themselves.
I go to church and love my church family. However, I also have some very dear friends that practice non-standard religions or---esoteric religions. I always look more at the soul than what denomination someone belongs to....and while I have a LOT of flaws personally---I hope to never change this about myself. I still believe I will go to heaven and be with my Jesus when the time comes. I had a couple of people in my life growing up that showed me this "tolerance"--leading by example----My earthly father (Bob Lyons) and my Aunt Patsy (Kenton). They were cousins and they both had a great sense of humor and loved everyone. Both went to heaven this year.
The irony is that as human beings, children of God, we tend to let history repeat itself--especially when it comes to making the same mistakes--over and over again. The Puritans arrived around 1620, fleeing persecution in England because they had religious beliefs that were different from the majority. They wanted the "freedom" to practice their religion without persecution. Sounded like a good idea---in theory. Right?
When they arrived their diets were based largely on wheat products which didn't grow very well in the rocky soil here in America where they had set up their homes. England had told the Pilgrims that they were to live in a communal territory--a community owned by all. They didn't really own land, the land was parceled out and equally shared among the settlers. Of course, being human, that was not enough. Greed quickly played a part and the settlers wanted more land...they had to have more than the guy next door because it is human nature to want to "have a bigger house---a faster car".
They would have starved to death if not for one Indian in particular named Squanto who helped the Pilgrims by teaching them how to grow local crops like corn, squash, and pumpkin---the difference between the local poisonous plants and the plants that were good for food or medicine---and how to hunt. By the time fall arrived things were looking much better for the Pilgrims--thanks to good ole' Squanto, so they decided to hold a feast and invite Squanto's family (which turned out to be more than 90 people---boy were they surprised).
That's the "nice" part of the story---the part we celebrate today.
However, there's a dark side because in our "human" sin filled nature we can never be satisfied. The Pilgrims wanted more land and coveted the land the Indians possessed. The Pilgrims (who if you remember ironically fled England because they wanted religious "freedom) started to look down on the Indians because they would not accept the Puritan religious beliefs. The Indians had their own way of worship and the Puritans were intolerant. In no time war ensued in the name of religion and greed. Sound familiar?
As an American today we see on Yahoo that "Terrorists may be inspired by the holidays". The terrorists hate us because we do not believe in their religion. You cannot turn on CNN without seeing someone killing in the name of God. This tragedy has been going on for all time. How do you think God feels about this behavior?
I love my God--he is my salvation, my sanity, my friend, and my counsel. However, I pray that he keeps my heart open to accept people who are not like me. Let Him fill my heart with Thanksgiving for what I "DO" have and not be greedy for what other's have. Let me love all people, of all races, all religions, and all walks of life---
I miss my earthly Father today. He was a quiet man most of the time. A quick wit---but ever tolerant of all people---all walks of life. That man loved to eat and Thanksgiving was one of his favorite holidays.
Hey Dad---hope you and Aunt Patsy are having a great Thanksgiving today in heaven! I miss you both dearly----
And tell Squanto that I said "Hi".....thanks to him I'll be having Pumpkin Pie today.
:-)
Doodles
