Have you ever wondered why the Pilgrims left their home in England? The obvious answer is because of religious persecution. I thought it might be interesting to find out what was happening in England in the early 1600s that would make it necessary for this small group of people, known as Separatists, to flee their country and what happened to them when they did.

In the early 1600s there was no religious freedom in England. To practice any religion other than the Church of England was illegal. They were persecuted because of their decision to break away from the Church of England to practice Christianity. They faced fines, imprisonment, and job loss. They were forced to practice their faith in secrecy. Because of this, they left England and settled in the Netherlands for a little more than a decade. They were welcomed in the Netherlands and were free to worship as they wanted. But as refugees, they were limited in the work they could do and suffered financially. When the opportunity arose to board the Mayflower destined for America, they decided to immigrate a second time. They boarded the Mayflower not knowing where they would settle or what hardships would follow.

It must have been incredibly difficult for them to leave their home in England. They must have had an amazing faith in God to guide them and protect them, and a hope of being welcomed in what would become their new home. And they were welcomed. First in the Netherlands and finally, here in America by the Indigenous people.

It takes great faith to journey across the ocean to start a new community in an unknown place. They were ill-prepared to survive in this new land, many didn’t. The Indigenous people they met helped them and taught them how to survive.

As I prepare Thanksgiving dinner this year, I will pause to remember the Pilgrims. I will remember their faith, courage, and strength. And I will remember the Indigenous people that helped them that first winter.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Until next time, God bless you.

Virginia

Virginia Finnie is the author of Hey Warrior Kids! Grab Your Slingshot!, Hey Warrior Kids! Put On Your Armor!, and It’s a Super-Bad Terrible Day!. Follow Children’s Books by Virginia Finnie for daily inspirational posts. https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensBooksbyVirginiaFinnie