A Time for Thanksgiving

The Bahama Journal Editorial


Those who would be Christians routinely give the Almighty thanks for all that transpires in their lives. They are – so to speak- men and women who are imbued with an ethos that calls on them to serve, struggle and sacrifice.

Christianity is also that kind of faith that is grounded in a philosophy that calls on humankind to struggle and serve as it waits for the coming of that day when it will be reconciled and reconnected with its Maker.

Coming with this philosophy or worldview are other notions that are profoundly and deeply rooted in the Torah; words to the effect that human beings made in the image of God are enjoined to walk humbly, do justice and love God.

It is with these thoughts in mind that today, we note a matter that is of high moment not only for our great neighbor to our immediate north, but also to people like us who would emulate the American Way. The matter to which we refer concerns that uniquely American day that has been set aside for Thanksgiving.

As President Obama says in his proclamation, “As Americans, we hail from every part of the world. While we observe traditions from every culture, Thanksgiving Day is a unique national tradition we all share. Its spirit binds us together as one people, each of us thankful for our common blessings.”

We say Amen to that sentiment.

Indeed, we today take –as it were- a break of sorts from our now routine litany of lament concerning how crime has run amok or [for that matter] how this or that leader is not doing what they should.

Instead, we pause to take note that while things are bad, there is still much that is going quite right. And for sure, there is absolutely no doubting of the truth in the proposition that Bahamians are – for the most part- hard-working, law-abiding citizens.

In addition, while crime seems to be spiraling, there is a sense we are getting that serves to underscore the point that people have not gotten so far jaded that nothing is either being done or contemplated.

Lots of truly good things are happening; and for these thanksgiving is absolutely necessary. And so, we give thanks. Indeed, we have a myriad of other reasons to show how we are always so very optimistic.

Assuredly, we would also venture that most Bahamians would respond in the positive were they to be asked whether they are Christians. And for sure, most of these people would readily say that – as Christians- they are called to give thanks in all things and for all things.

This implies that Bahamians are absolutely predisposed to join in rituals and routines that reference thanksgiving and harvest.

Indeed, there are numbers of old-timers who vividly recall the times when farm produce was the ready staple destined for ‘harvest’.

Here of late, one of the signs of the times has to do with the fact that some people now bring –as harvest- some of the canned goods they purchased from this or that super-market.

So, while some things might have changed, Bahamians –in their vast majority- celebrate Thanksgiving in a manner that is quite reminiscent of how Americans do the same thing.

Indeed, Thanksgiving as we know it, uses the American model as its ever-ready template.

As research reveals, “Thanksgiving Day in the United States is possibly the premier U.S. family celebration — typically celebrated at home or in a community setting and marked with a substantial feast…”

We note that, “Thanksgiving provides an occasion for reunions of friends and families, and it affords Americans a shared opportunity to express gratitude for the freedoms they enjoy as well as food, shelter and other good things.”

We also know that, “Many Americans also take time to prepare and serve meals to the needy at soup kitchens, churches and homeless shelters. Others donate to food drives or participate in charity fundraisers; in fact, hundreds of nonprofit groups throughout the country hold Thanksgiving Day charity races called “Turkey Trots.”

“And on a more worldly note, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the “holiday season” that continues through New Year’s Day. The Friday after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest shopping days of the year.”

And for sure, we are also quite aware that, “Every year, the president issues a proclamation designating the fourth Thursday in November (November 27th. this year); a National Day of Thanksgiving.

And finally, “It is an official federal holiday, and virtually all government offices and schools — and most businesses — are closed…”
Of course, stores here in the Bahamas will not be closed.

And for sure, while some Bahamians will remember to give thanks; some others –sadly – will eat, drink and be merry’ all the while remaining blissfully oblivious of the reason for the celebration.

November 27th, 2010

The Bahama Journal Editorial

Bahamas Blog International