via TJC
We continue this week’s strategies for Resolving Conflict in marriage/families.
“in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (AMP)
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28
The day after Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, a Native American stepped out of the woods and greeted them in English. His name was Tisquantum, whom the Pilgrims named “Squanto”.
Squanto then endeavored to teach the Pilgrims how to plant corn (fertilized by burying with fish heads), how to gather “fat eels” from the rivers, hunt for beaver, etc. Squanto was their pilot, navigating the local shore line.
With the assistance of Squanto as interpreter, the local chief Massasoit negotiated an alliance with the Pilgrims, with a promise not to harm each other. They also promised that they would aid each other in the event of an attack from another tribe. Bradford described Squanto as “a special instrument sent of God.”
How did this situation get started?
Before 1620, English fishing vessels would fish off the coast of Cape Cod. An English captain, under the guise of trading with the local Native Americans, kidnapped several of the young men to sell into slavery, which included Squanto. The captain tried to sell them in Spain, the local friars intervened and “bought” them. It is believed in Spain that Squanto was baptized a Catholic.
Squanto was somehow able to work his way to England, and then onto a ship to return to his home in Massachusetts. Upon returning home, he found his entire tribe had died, due to contracting a disease from Europe. Squanto sought to join a related tribe in a nearby region.
The pilgrims had landed in of the few uninhabited spots along the East Coast, with a local Native American who spoke English, as noted as better than most of the Pilgrims.
The local tribe was obviously extremely cautious about the Pilgrims, as previous Englishmen had kidnapped locals and came spreading deadly diseases. Squanto was able to overcome the initial hostility and negotiate a peace treaty. Without Squanto’s vast help the Pilgrims would likely have not survived.
By the way, regarding the first Thanksgiving initially the local tribe was not invited. The Pilgrims did fire off their cannon and muskets in celebration. The local tribe responded by sending 60 armed warriors to investigate. When learning that gunfire was for celebration, the tribe then returned with 5 deer and joined the celebration.
Daily Battle Order: First, consider if you were Squanto, taken from your homeland, sold into slavery, and somehow upon returning home, learning that all whom you loved were dead - how would you react to the next Englishmen you saw? Could you forgive and be willing to start a new life?
As you gather today with family to celebrate Thanksgiving, can you overcome conflicts and love those closest to you?
Secondly, my family has a Thanksgiving tradition that during our gathering, one person reads aloud a brief inspirational story of giving thanks. If interested in sharing with your family the incredible story of Squanto, there are many historical references, including https://allthatsinteresting.com/squanto.
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