This Thanksgiving, We Should Put Division Aside and Put Faith and Gratitude First

This week, many of us will gather across America with our loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving. Most of us will share a meal and fellowship – maybe even head outside for a quick touch-football game in the yard. But this year especially, amid a tumultuous political season, we need to pause and take time, as Americans, to count our blessings and offer gratitude to our Creator.

The father of our country, George Washington, issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation, urging all Americans to set aside a day to express their gratitude that the long American War of Independence had finally come to an end and that we, as a people, could at last live free. But what many may not know is that it wasn’t until 1863 – amidst the division and darkness of the Civil War – that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving as an annual national holiday to be observed each November.

Today, our nation again feels unsettled. We find ourselves divided by politics, social issues, and an increasingly pervasive “us-vs-them” mentality that threatens the very Constitution that binds us together. I’ll be the first to admit there are days when America feels like a powder keg.

But as believers, we know that ultimately, God is in control. And the best – and truly only – way to combat this rising division is with love, just as our Savior commanded. Scripture is clear on this point; Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27 are only two of many verses that instruct us to love our enemies. As difficult as it may be, even when those on the radical Left cast insults or accusations at conservatives and Christians, simply for living out our beliefs, we are still called to love them and pray for them.

But that does not mean we should accept or condone actions contrary to the values and freedoms we cherish. And that is why I am profoundly thankful for the Constitution, which empowers – and I’d argue compels – us to stand up for what is right and the principles on which our nation was founded. And I’m thankful for our ACLJ legal team. Because of your support, we have the power to take decisive action to stop legislation that threatens our liberties, and we are defending those whose rights are being trampled by bureaucrats and administrators.

I am grateful for you, our ACLJ members and Champions, for faithfully providing the resources we need to challenge unconstitutional laws, defend religious liberty for adults and children alike, fight to protect innocent life, and stand up for pro-life advocates every single day. Because of your courage and generosity, we are winning critical legal battles and defending the rights you cherish as Americans.

A new year now approaches, bringing with it new challenges to the Constitution, to our freedoms, and to the very fabric of our great nation. You can rest assured: We will not back down – not for a moment.

But on this Thanksgiving, I encourage all of us to set aside the frustration and anger that often come with watching the daily news unfold. Instead, take a moment to appreciate the blessings you’ve received. Say a prayer of thanks, and say a prayer for those who do not share our faith or values, that their hearts may be softened and their frustrations eased. I’m always amazed by the remarkable healing power of gratitude, and I am thankful for a God who provides comfort when we seek Him with thankful hearts.

From the entire ACLJ, thank you for your steadfast support. I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.