Will Grigg's Liberty Minute

November 22, 2007

Even more than Independence Day, Thanksgiving embodies the ideals of our nation. We acknowledge our insurmountable indebtedness to our Creator for everything we cherish.

It wasn't just the English pilgrims at Jamestown who established the custom of paying the tribute of thanks to God. In April 1598 ? decades before the first celebration at Jamestown ? Spanish explorer Don Juan de Onate led his 600 followers in a day of prayer and thanksgiving in what is now El Paso, Texas.

Don Juan's group included Spaniards of every social rank, as well as Africans and Indians native to Mexico. Grateful for the protection they had enjoyed during a long and dangerous trek, Don Juan's group invited the local Indians to join in the celebration as well.

Similar celebrations were held by others grateful for their arrival in this uniquely blessed land. In whatever way we deem appropriate, it is our duty and blessing to offer thanks to the God who created each of us to be free.