A Pilgrim’s Sacrifice

Have you ever wondered why The Pilgrims left a civilized known society, albeit, dangerous one, to come to the New World? Why would hundreds if not thousands of families, not mere men, take such a risk, and even make the ultimate sacrifice to cross an impassable ocean in the putrid bowels of a sailing vessel like the Mayflower? To create a new life in a Land so far west of their homeland as to never see anything or anyone they know again? To face unknown dangers with unlearned skills? To discover unforeseen and new challenges never before heard of in their lifetime or any others in the world?

I only can think of one word to describe the motivation that would drive an expedition for such a group of people and that word is not brave, or religious, or political, or even determined? I admit these could and should be used to describe the motives of any who crossed the mighty Atlantic to start their new life in America. They could be used today!

But they do not apply to all of the them. No, there is only one characteristic that all who embark on the Grand Adventure toward the shores of the New World have in common. Only one word which can only be used that can link all of them. And what is it?

COURAGE.

What else gives simple men, women, and children the ability to EMBARK on such a terrifying journey? People with little to no education, social preparation, survival training, or physical stamina? And then to SURVIVE it? We speak of immovable, solid faith and hope in the Almighty Savior, but what amazing fortitude and COURAGE to act upon that faith.The Pilgrims were steadfast Rocks in what and in Whom they believed and trusted. Why else would such a multitude attempt make such a journey? How would any survive it?

At the root of the that insurmountable faith was hope and the belief that they could live in a Land with the RIGHT to their freedom.They preached that nobody deserved to be persecuted for what and who they were at and by birth—whether that be their station, their job, or their faith. Many were slaves and servants when they came to this Land but in their hearts their liberty had already been won the second they stepped off the planks of the boat.

Why? They had survived! The Sea hadn’t killed them so nobody else would. They had lived through their past and it no longer defined them. They were in the New World where their future was what they made it, and it was brighter than ever before.

This Land would be different. This Land was their own. (Or was it? But that is a story for another time...)

Until then, let us consider these few facts:

1. The Pilgrims braved unknown horrendous conditions at sea and many died for the DREAM of something better than the persecution of what they were leaving behind. Many men, women, and children met a watery grave before seeing that dream materialize into anything close to a reality.

2. The Land they faced upon landing wasn’t a hospital, tame one but wild, and dangerous territory with real hazards and life-threatening issues at every turn. Imagine yourself arriving at Yellowstone National Park in your pajamas with only a toothbrush and were told you need to survive for the rest of your life. What would you do?

3. Their old enemies knew where they had gone and now new enemies grew around every corner, some within their very own ranks.

4. This New World was not barren but teeming with fruit and wildlife. It also was no uninhabited. And although that fact brought relief for the cold and desperate in the early days after the Landing, it quickly turned into negative consequences for the new Settlers from far away.

What is next for the Pilgrims, those who came seeking a better life? What are they to do when they are faced with antagonism and hatred for simply worshiping and believing? They do the very thing that drove them across the sea into an unknown land. Journey onward.

Welcome to the JOURNEY.