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Home | history | What the Pilgrims Did

What the Pilgrims Did

history, homeschool, Thanksgiving

What the Pilgrims Did

In the years 1609-1620, the Pilgrims were residing in Leyden, Holland. It had been their refuge when they first fled England and the tyranny of the King. So, if it was so great, what made them choose the wilderness of America?

In his book, Of Plymouth Plantation, William Bradford, Governor of the Plymouth colony, describes several reasons. One of those reasons:

 “But still more lamentable, and of all sorrows most heavy to be borne, was that many of the children, influenced by these [difficult physical] conditions, and the great licentiousness of the young people of the country, and the many temptations of the city, were led by evil example into dangerous courses, getting the reins off their necks and leaving their parents. Some became soldiers, others embarked upon voyages by sea and others upon worse courses tending to dissoluteness and the danger of their souls, to the great grief of the parents and the dishonour of God. So they saw their posterity would be in danger to degenerate and become corrupt.”

So, in their desire to raise their children away from such dangers, they picked up everything and braved a 6 week ocean voyage, wilderness, Indians, and the great unknown. They had very little knowledge of this new world, its weather, terrain, people, vegetation, or possibilities. But it was worth it to them to protect their children and save their souls.

I, for one, am humbled by their sacrifice and thankful that they were willing. They suffered many hardships and losses, but they also produced some of the greatest men and women in history.

As a parent in the twenty-first century, it can seem that every decision you make forces you to explain your actions, and you may feel as though you are swimming upstream in a raging river. I live in that world, so I know the feeling.

Among Christian families, there is an ever growing movement to separate our children from worldly influence. For more than two decades, homeschooling has continued to grow in popularity. In recent years, a growing number of families have chosen to forsake youth groups and children’s church, knowing that even in a church setting the influences are undesirable.

Some families make decisions for their children that raise the eyebrows of even the most well-meaning friends and relatives. For instance, we tend to shy away from slumber parties or extended stays anywhere without parents. We closely monitor all of our children’s friendships, and will quickly put an end to those that might have a negative effect on our kids. We limit TV and movie choices, and require the kids to check in with us if even a grandparent wants to take them to see a movie.

God gave us these children, entrusting them to our care. It’s such a huge responsibility. But, since they came from God, we only answer to God.

So next time you question the sanity of your decisions or are accused of “sheltering” your children from society, hold your head up, smile, and remember the Pilgrims.

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November 8, 2011 · 3 Comments

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Comments

  1. Brandi with Big Fit Fam says

    November 15, 2016 at 8:09 am

    I love this post. While i absolutely not getting ready to voyage across the earth to relocate I am struggling with the thought o relocating a bit, of wanting to pick up and move farther away from influences that i feel are not good for my children…it’s particularly difficult when that means moving farther away from family #happynowlinkup

    Reply
    • Nicki says

      November 15, 2016 at 1:55 pm

      Even a small relocation seems so daunting, and probably unpopular in today’s world, for the sake of your children. But the Pilgrims showed that God blesses that. I hope you find the answers you’re looking for.

      Reply
  2. Leslie says

    November 18, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    The early settlers definitely had brave souls. It’s hard sometimes to remember that many of the very earliest came over to practice religious freedom. Thanks for sharing your side of the story at the #happynowlinkup!

    Reply

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Parents, we have a crisis. We have a generation of Americans growing up without any real education in history. We all know it. We laugh at the talk show hosts who interview clueless college students on the street. We cringe a little when they don’t know who won the American Revolution or that World War 1 ever took place. School districts and state boards of education can change the history as they see fit, and they regularly do. Homeschool mamas, don’t get caught up in high school credits. Teach your children the really important things BECAUSE they are the really important things. Christopher Columbus. Let's go there. https://www.instagram.com/p/CxNlZ62rG0L/ Albert Einstein on education: Is this your first year homeschooling? Did you just complete your first week, or first month? Did it go perfectly?? Christian: If the public school curriculum and the public school atmosphere include If you have to ask permission to see the curriculum…if you aren’t allowed to question the library books…if you only get three minutes to speak at a school board meeting…if your school teachers or counselors “affirm” made-up genders…if you are held accountable for actions and the school is not…if your child spends 8-10 of their waking hours at school… What makes a good school? Is it the zip code? Your realtor will tell you so. Is it the size? Parents in small rural areas will enthusiastically say, “Yes!” Is it the teachers who go to church? Is it because they say the Pledge of Allegiance? Is it because it’s private? Is it because the teacher loves her students so much? Please don’t tell me it’s the football team. What is it that really makes a good school?

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