A Thanksgiving Message of Faith and Gratitude Through the Generations

Heather Strube, Head of School

I have always loved the book of Hebrews. In chapter 11, the writer takes us on a journey of familiar Old Testament stories in the form of a list. I love a good list, but this is not just any list–it is a list of heroes of the faith. Lists like this were common in Jewish writings, and the crucial part of the list is knowing who comes at the end. In this list, it’s JESUS.

So we have many people of faith around us. Their lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way. And we should remove the sin that so easily catches us. Let us look only to Jesus. He is the one who began our faith, and he makes our faith perfect. Jesus suffered death on the cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing. He did this because of the joy that God put before him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. Think about Jesus. He held on patiently while sinful men were doing evil things against him. Look at Jesus’ example so that you will not get tired and stop trying. (Hebrews 12: 1-3, ICB)

As we head into Thanksgiving (and for many of us, a much needed break), may we be encouraged to continue placing our lives within the story of scripture. Around our tables this week, is there an opportunity to rehearse the story of our family’s faith in Jesus through the generations or to share how our faith journey began?

During chapels this fall, we followed our own list of Old Testament heroes–we learned about Moses, Ruth, Naomi and Boaz, David and Nathan, Elijah, Jonah, and more. These stories reminded us how God remains constant in His love even when we are not–sometimes He accomplished this in awe-inspiring ways, and other times He showed his compassion, grace, patience, love and faithfulness (Ps. 86:15) through the simple and beautiful actions of others.

At Cambridge, we are thanking God for His faithfulness. You responded to our week of THANKSgiving with enthusiasm by sharing the many reasons why you are thankful for Cambridge and by giving generously. We are grateful for you! 


“Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things.” Amen.

Heather Strube