From a Grateful Heart

November 2001

Dear Friends,

Greetings from everyone here at Focus on the Family. We hope this letter finds you and your loved ones well as you prepare to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. I’d like to take this opportunity to share a few thoughts about the crisis our nation is now facing, and to discuss how we might view that crisis during this time of year which is traditionally seen as an occasion for gratitude and peace.

Without a doubt, our world has changed dramatically since last Thanksgiving. The unthinkable terrorist attacks that rocked our country on September 11 have affected all of us in one way or another, and there are many for whom the wounds are still fresh. Literally thousands of families this year will be spending Thanksgiving without the fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters who were among the victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon or the crashed airliner in Pennsylvania. I’m reminded of the young man who received an e-mail from his father, who worked in the World Trade Center, on the day of the attacks. It simply read: "I love you. I’ll see you in heaven."1 How many other families are clinging to heartbreaking final words like these, or cherishing memories of their lost loved ones during this holiday season!

Even as they did on September 11, our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to those who lost friends and family members in the attacks. But our concern also extends to scores of other people whose lives have been changed by the events of the past two months. Many thousands of employees in the airline and travel industries lost their jobs as a result of the disruption to our airports. Some, such as curbside skycaps, have seen their jobs eliminated altogether at various airports around the country.2 As I write, untold numbers of our men and women in uniform are abroad, defending our interests in locations around the globe. They will be spending Thanksgiving away from home — often in places that are hostile to an American presence — in order to defend the freedoms that people like you and me so often take for granted.

In light of developments like these, we may ask ourselves, "How can we even begin to be thankful at a time like this?" With all that has happened to us in recent weeks, and with the future so uncertain, we can easily be tempted to despair. However, I believe that, despite our current state of unrest, we have much for which we can be thankful. I’m certainly not suggesting that we should go about our business as if nothing has happened. Sorrow is an appropriate and necessary response at times like these, and the grieving process should not be suppressed in the interest of "putting on a brave face" or projecting an air of false piety. But the Scriptures instruct us to "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever" (1 Chronicles 16:34, NIV).

It is important for those who have put their trust in Jesus not to lose hope or allow their lives to be ruled by fear. Even in the midst of our own grief, we can be vessels of healing and encouragement to those who are trying to make sense out of this national tragedy. It’s worth noting that the Thanksgiving tradition itself was born out of incredible sorrow and hardship. Just as our country is now facing a time of adversity, the Pilgrims, the first permanent European settlers in this land, were forced to endure incredible trials. I believe there are lessons we can learn from the faith, humility and, yes, thanksgiving with which they faced those trials.

It is disturbing to me that some public schools no longer properly teach the early history of this great nation.3 Thanksgiving Day for their students is merely a holiday or, at the most, a day to be thankful without understanding what we should be thankful for or to Whom our gratitude is due. For those among my readers who still have children and teenagers at home, it might be helpful to recount the events that occurred so long ago with the arrival of the first settlers.

Let’s begin with the basics. The Pilgrims were a group of Separatists who broke away from the Church of England in an effort to return to a more biblically based way of life. They immigrated to Holland, where they enjoyed a greater degree of religious freedom but faced a host of other economic and social difficulties.4 After about a decade, they returned to England and resolved to set sail for the New World. On September 16, 1620, 102 passengers boarded the Mayflower with the hope of finding religious freedom and a better way of life.5

The 65-day voyage across the strong, storm-tossed Atlantic current was itself very dangerous for the Pilgrims. Nevertheless, feeling God’s calling, they pressed forward and sighted Cape Cod on November 19.6 Hundreds of miles north of their original destination of Virginia, the Mayflower dropped anchor at what is now Provincetown, Massachusetts, on November 21; and in December they made their way across the bay to settle at Plymouth.7 It was near Provincetown that 41 men signed the Mayflower Compact—a compact that would soon become the basis for government in the Plymouth Colony and would later greatly influence the formation of the United States government.8 As they looked out at the gray, windswept coast on that cold November day, many of the Pilgrims must have wondered if it really was God’s will for them to relocate to this desolate location. Little did they know that the true test of their resolve was yet to come.

That winter was devastating to the men, women and children who had already traveled so far and sacrificed so much. Poor nutrition, inadequate housing and the unforgiving winter took their toll. Many died. The new year brought more of the same. Eight perished in January, and 17 in February.9 By the time spring descended on the North Atlantic coast, nearly half of the original group was gone.10

Christopher Jones, the captain of the Mayflower, left the ship anchored in the harbor throughout the winter. He felt so sorry for the settlers that he allowed many from the colony to take refuge in the hull of the ship since shelter was so scarce and the winter was so fierce.11 Finally, on April 5, 1621, he decided he’d had enough, and resolved to return home.12 I can imagine him standing before his weary passengers imploring, "You must return to England with me. You are dying. Look at the graves up there on the sandy hill. More than half who came are now dead. It’s time to go."

Not one of those remaining settlers left with Captain Jones when he set sail that day. Each one of them felt the call of God deep within his or her heart, and as a group, they refused to go back. Undoubtedly they were afraid, and they probably didn’t have a lot of optimism about the uncertain future lying before them. But in essence, they said, "We would rather die here and remain true to what our Lord has called us to do than to turn our backs on Him and return to the warm hearth of England."

What an amazing display of faith and resolve in the face of adversity! Without a doubt, it was the Pilgrims’ reliance on God that carried them through that incredibly difficult time. Our wonderful nation — the land of the free and the home of the brave — exists today in its present form because those courageous men and women chose to stay here and tough it out rather than to throw in the towel and return to Europe. God used the gritty determination and the spiritual leadership of men like John Carver, William Bradford, Edward Winslow and William Brewster—some of our earliest national heroes — to create a firm foundation for our country to build upon.13 In fact, if the Pilgrims had returned to Europe with Captain Jones, a very different kind of people could have populated these lands. Other Puritans and subsequent settlers took heart because of the brave example set by the Pilgrims. Their determination — and most importantly, their faith — is evident in many of the beliefs and laws that govern our country today.

The faith that motivated those first settlers is best described in their own words. William Bradford, one of the original leaders who would go on to serve as governor of Plymouth Colony for more than 30 years, wrote a firsthand account of the Pilgrims’ journey called Of Plymouth Plantation.14 Of the incredible hardships the settlers endured in seeking freedom, he wrote: "But these things did not dismay them (though they did sometimes trouble them) for their desires were set on the ways of God, and to enjoy His ordinances; but they rested on His providence, and knew Whom they had believed."15 Mr. Bradford’s statement reminds me of the words of Job, who also trusted God amidst his despair, when He said, "Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him" (Job 13:15a, NIV).

Looking back on these traumatic events, it’s hard to believe that they are the foundation for the holiday we now know as Thanksgiving! Despite the trials and difficulties they had endured, the Pilgrims did indeed hold a feast of thanksgiving to praise God after their first harvest in 1621.16 The Native Americans joined them in this gathering of goodwill, as one of their own, Squanto, had been instrumental in teaching the Pilgrims how to plant corn and in showing them where to fish and trap beaver. Bradford said that "Squanto continued with them and was their interpreter and was a special instrument sent of God for their good beyond their expectation."17

Surely, the words of the apostle Paul were an inspiration to the Pilgrims in their plight: ". . . For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:11b-13, NIV). Paul wrote those words while chained in a Roman prison, right about the time the emperor Nero began feeding Christians to the lions or using their bodies as torches to illuminate his banquets.18 Those same words brought comfort to the Pilgrims — even as they dedicated their future to the Lord under the shadow of a hillside dotted with the graves of their loved ones. And I believe that, even though the bodies of so many who were dear to us have yet to be recovered from the rubble, and as our nation grapples with what has taken place, those same words can bring comfort to us today.

Can we be thankful even during this hour of uncertainty for our country? I believe that we can. I am particularly thankful for the overwhelming interest in spiritual matters that has swept our nation since September 11. Americans are genuinely calling upon God in the midst of their suffering, to a degree that wouldn’t have seemed possible prior to the attacks. Our national leaders, and particularly President Bush, have been exemplary in their willingness to call the nation to prayer — and to pray themselves on behalf of our country. Americans also seem to have embraced the idea of looking beyond their own needs and selflessly giving to others. Whether it be through donating blood, or giving to other relief or charity organizations, the "me first" mentality seems to have gone by the wayside, at least for the time being.

As Americans grapple with the theological and spiritual implications of the terrorist attacks, those of us who claim Christ as King must, in the words of Peter, "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15b, NIV). Even as we grieve, and even as we come before the Lord with our own fear and trepidation about the future, we can share His love with those around us. And we can be thankful that, no matter what happens next, we can take refuge in the One who said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5b, NIV). He has proven Himself faithful to us in the midst of this crisis, and He will continue to do so in the future. Now that is reason to be thankful!

On a final, personal note, the staff here at Focus on the Family has also learned what it means to "give thanks in all circumstances" this year. The financial downturn that our nation’s economy has taken in the wake of the terrorist attacks has made an impact on us, just as it has on so many other companies and nonprofit organizations. Indeed, 2001 had already proven to be a challenging year for us in financial terms, and the events of September 11 only served to exacerbate an existing problem. After that date, our contribution income dropped more than 25 percent, which will have a severe impact on the ministry. We’re currently looking very closely at our budget and considering which additional programs to cut, and how to reduce ongoing expenses. If, after meeting your obligation to your local church, you feel led to send a little extra to Focus on the Family to help us with the "end of the year crunch," we’d love to hear from you. Either way, we’re doing what the Lord has called us to do, and we will stay the course for as long as He provides us with the means to do so.

From all your friends here at Focus, have a happy Thanksgiving, and be sure to hold your loved ones close. Please don’t hesitate to let our staff know if there is anything we can do for you in the days ahead. I’d like to close my letter this month by returning to the words of Paul, who offers all of us some good advice — not only at Thanksgiving, and not only during times of crisis, but every minute of every day: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV).

Sincerely,

James C. Dobson, Ph.D.
President

P.S. As many of you know, I have long been an admirer of Sir Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister during World War II. I recently re-read some of his great speeches, including the following oration that was given to the London County Council on July 14, 1941. Less than a year earlier, German warplanes had begun an intense bombing campaign on the great city of London.19 Churchill’s words were a source of great encouragement to the British people at that frightening time, and I believe they hold great relevance for us in the midst of our current national crisis. Indeed, a recent Wall Street Journal editorial praised President Bush for invoking Churchillian rhetoric in several of his statements concerning the war on terrorism.20 Here is a portion of what "Sir Winston" said to his anxious countrymen on that day in July, 60 years ago:

"In September last, having been defeated in his invasion plans by the RAF, Hitler declared his intention to raze the cities of Britain to the ground, and in the early days of that month he set the whole fury of the Hun upon London. ... We were then not prepared as we are now. Our defences had not the advantages they have since attained, and again I must admit that I greatly feared injury to our public services, I feared the ravages of fire, I feared the dislocation of life and the stoppage of work, I feared epidemics of serious disease or even pestilence among the crowds who took refuge in our by no means completely constructed or well-equipped shelters.

I remember one winter evening travelling to a railway station — which still worked—on my way north to visit troops. It was cold and raining. Darkness had almost fallen on the blacked-out streets. I saw everywhere long queues of people, among them hundreds of young girls in their silk stockings and high-heeled shoes, who had worked hard all day and were waiting for bus after bus, which came by already overcrowded, in the hope of reaching their homes for the night. When at that moment the doleful wail of the siren betokened the approach of the German bombers, I confess to you that my heart bled for London and the Londoners.

All this sort of thing went on for more than four months with hardly any intermission. . . . But there was one thing about which there was never any doubt. The courage, the unconquerable grit and stamina of the Londoners showed itself from the very outset. Without that all would have failed. Upon that rock, all stood unshakeable ...

We have to ask ourselves this question: Will the bombing attacks of last autumn and winter come again? We have proceeded on the assumption that they will. . . . We ask no favours of the enemy. We seek from them no compunction. . . . Prepare yourselves, then, my friends and comrades in the Battle of London, for this renewal of your exertions. We shall never turn from our purpose, however sombre the road, however grievous the cost, because we know that out of this time of trial and tribulation will be born a new freedom and glory for all mankind.21

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I have shared these words for those among our countrymen who are frightened and discouraged by the vicious attacks made on New York City and Washington D.C. Even though circumstances are not as severe as seen in wartime London, they could become even worse in the days ahead. We are told that further assaults by terrorists on this great nation are inevitable. What is to be our attitude, then, in the midst of such danger and uncertainty? Drawing upon the inspiration of Mr. Churchill, our obligation is to summon our courage and resolve, buttressed by our faith and dependence on God, to overcome every adversity that might befall us. We will not be cowed or intimidated. Nor will we beg our attackers for mercy. We will see the evildoers brought to justice. And in the end, may we and future generations be granted a "new freedom and glory for all mankind."

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 (NIV)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

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