Columbus Day

History.com declares:  Columbus Day is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492, and Columbus Day 2021 occurs on Monday, October 11. It was unofficially celebrated in a number of cities and states as early as the 18th century, but did not become a federal holiday until 1937. For many, the holiday is a way of both honoring Columbus’ achievements and celebrating Italian-American heritage. 

But throughout its history, Columbus Day and the man who inspired it have generated controversy, and many alternatives to the holiday have proposed since the 1970s including Indigenous Peoples' Day, now celebrated in many U.S. states and cities.  Why can't we celebrate both?

Christopher Columbus' brave journey to find a new land, establish a new country with religious freedom is part of our history.  The Indigenous people and their amazing resilience in living off the land and then adjusting to the development of America is also a part of our history.  Both sides experienced great hardship amidst great adventure, bloodshed and healing.  We live in an imperfect world alongside others who have good and bad life experiences.

Let's celebrate the goodness in others.  Help those who are struggling along the way and do the very best with what God has entrusted to us. 

Take time this Columbus Day to be thankful to live in a flawed but amazing country of opportunity.  Reflect on your blessings.  Meet someone new with a different background than yours.  Celebrate our bonds and our differences.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach

www.brooketraining.com