Thanksgiving is a special time of year. It is a purely American holiday because this nation was founded on the basis of self-sufficiency and gratitude for our inherent rights — which allow us to take care of ourselves and our communities.
It was my mother and grandmother who taught me to love my nation, my neighbors, and my faith. All of these elements are connected. They have allowed me to have hope in dark times.
That hope is what keeps people alive. It reminds us of who we are and helps us to better connect with each other.
It is also these teachings that helped me to embrace my femininity and find balance in motherhood. I am a homeschooling mother of five. Life is messy and hectic most of the time, but I appreciate every moment.
I have found peace in gratitude knowing that nothing is more important than my family, my faith, and protecting our rights. That is why I wrote my latest book, “Reclaiming Femininity: Saving Women’s Traditions & Our Future,” because Americans need to reconnect.
It's time for women to save our traditions and our future by "Reclaiming Femininity."#AmericaFirst https://t.co/JAm7gCR36W
— Jessica Marie Baumgartner (@jessmbaum) November 16, 2023
American women have been the traditional community organizers. Our grandmothers and their grandmothers knew the importance of loving their neighbors and reaching out to others through faith and friendship.
But that is no longer at the heart of popular culture. Women have drifted away from traditional values and that has pulled everyone away from family ties and community efforts.
In March, a Wall Street Journal poll found that less than half of Americans view religion and patriotism as very important to them.
It also noted, “The share of Americans who say that having children, involvement in their community and hard work are very important values has also fallen.”
American values are diminishing. This comes as the U.S. poverty rate has increased, per USA Today, and American donations to charity fell in 2022, via The Conversation.
It seems as though American prosperity suffers when the people turn away from their traditional values.
Thankfully, faith, family, and American ideals are at the heart of the Thanksgiving holiday. So this year, I ask that we all take a little extra time to remember what matters most.
We should hug a little tighter, pray a little longer, and help others in order to instill a stronger sense of love, purpose, and gratitude in everyone.
