Why would Abraham Lincoln issue the Proclamation of Thanksgiving on the worst day in our nations history?

The battle of Gettysburg marked the low point for our nation as 50,000 fellow countrymen were killed or wounded in civil war. On a personal level, Lincoln battled with marriage challenges and clinical depression as he grieved the loss of his son. Yet on October 3, 1863, he ordered the Proclamation of Thanksgiving – Lincoln’s public expression of thanks to God in the midst of possibly the worst circumstances our country has ever known. Several weeks later (November 19) he gave one of the greatest speeches of all time – the Gettysburg Address. This two-minute address contained the words that would heal and transform a nation.

In my humble opinion, I believe that Thanksgiving Day 1863 was a significant day in our nation’s history. A nation of frightened, angry and grieving families from both the North and the South joined together to give thanks to God. A divided country was unified under one benevolent God. While I can’t know this for sure, I believe that families in turmoil were better able to appreciate life rather than focus on what they had lost in life. Their heads, hung in despair, were lifted just enough to gain hope for a better future. I believe that day helped our country begin to heal as a nation and provided once again the birth of freedom.

Now here we are on the doorsteps of Thanksgiving 2016. Personally, I know many, including myself who feel like their souls has been bruised and battered by a constant year long, 24/7  instant media assault on our senses. Terrorism, division within our country, and political mud slinging have certainly been discouraging to many good people who love our country and the virtues we stand for. Can one grateful person make a difference in this crazy world? Absolutely! We forget that within our country are legions of people of character who can change the world by simply making a difference in their world. Your leadership and communication as an expression of love and gratitude makes a huge difference to those around you.  One small gesture of love and gratitude may not change the world but it just may change someone’s world. Even your world.

I pray that this Thanksgiving season presents you with a unique opportunity to express your gratitude to God, your loved ones, your neighbors and even strangers. I hope this gratitude in action sets a precedent for making every day, even your bad days, a day of thanksgiving.

Many blessings on this Thanksgiving season,

Larry Julian