Giving Thanks - Sarah Hale

1788–1879

Why do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day? Because the editor of a leading women’s magazine pushed the idea.

A Christian woman named Sarah Hale edited Ladies’ Magazine and Literary Gazette from 1827 to 1836 and then Godey’s Lady’s Book for the next forty years. Under her leadership, Godey’s circulation soared to 150,000, making it the most popular periodical of its kind. Avoiding political controversy, Sarah published poems and stories, fashion articles, recipes, and household hints. This was a formula for success.

Things had not always been so positive for Sarah. Her husband had died after only nine years of marriage, leaving her a widow at age thirty-four—and a single mom of five young children. She turned to writing, publishing a book of poetry and a novel. Her most famous literary output, however, was a nursery rhyme—“Mary Had a Little Lamb.” (This became all the more famous in 1877 when Thomas Edison used it for the first phonograph recording.)

After becoming an editor, Sarah used her magazine to promote several ideas, including education for women. She supported Christian missions, serving with two women’s missionary societies. She was especially interested in training and sending women as medical missionaries. Patriotism was dear to Sarah, and she worked for the preservation of several historic sites, including the Bunker Hill Monument in Boston.

And then there was the idea for a national day of thanks. She wrote about a “deep moral influence” that would come from such “seasons of rejoicing in which whole communities participate. They bring out . . . the best sympathies in our natures.” For more than fifteen years she lobbied, in print and in person, for this holiday—until Abraham Lincoln made it happen in 1863.

Sarah was right: gratitude is good for us. All sorts of psychological studies in recent years have proven the value of a “positive outlook,” but thankfulness goes deeper. It recognizes that we are recipients of grace. This is true even for atheists and agnostics, by the way. When people feel thankful, whether they’re thanking the universe or society or their own family, they are acknowledging that they’ve received something good. Their souls are activated, you might say.

And for Christians, it’s another opportunity to bow before our gracious Father in heaven.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18