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This could also be seen as a story of listening to the trap of "life is always greener on the other side of the fence." Instead if being happy with what God had provided them (a good, prosperous life), it wasn't enough. They paid a hefty price for their need to "have it all." Good story, though so sad. I had not heard it before.

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author

Indeed. One of the amazing things about these historical events is that there are so many lessons we can learn beyond whatever lesson I choose to spotlight.

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Nov 1Liked by Jason A Clark

Good point! I thought that was interesting too. It seems most were quite comfortable and prosperous already. Why not be thankful and stay where you are already blessed? Story may have been different if they were impoverished or struggling and really needed a change of venue for a better life. Cautionary tale for us all!

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Oct 31Liked by Jason A Clark

Being quite familiar with this whole story, I really appreciate that you make it clear that the cannibalism we have all assumed in this story is not factually based. That was a new ah-ha moment for me and greatly appreciated. Personally, as I am in the midst of enduring and persevering the consequences of my divorce 13 years ago (after 30 years of marriage) in my relationships with my daughters, I see God providing for me and growing me in ways I wouldn't have believed possible. As He has led me to a wonderful grace-filled church, in that church He has given me the right people, both men and women, to help me navigate restoring relationship with my cherished daughters. James 1:2-4 has always been and remains one of my favorite passages in the Bible. Thanks for all the hard work you do to provide all these daily lessons, Jason. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

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Thank you, Jeff. I really appreciate your support and encouraging words.

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Thank you, Jason for another amazing article! The Donner Party was a sad and tragic story of human fragility in search of a better life into unknown territory. Good read!

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Oct 31Liked by Jason A Clark

I'm a Canadian but the story of the Donner Party has fascinated me since I was a teenager. We visited the Donner Memorial State Park a few years ago. It was well worth the trip. I have to wonder if I could've endured the hardships that the Donner Party experienced. Perhaps when faced with such a trial, we are stronger than we think.

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We must be! I can't even imagine what they went through. One aspect I really didn't elaborate on is the trials of the rescuers. There's a good episode of Expedition Unknown that delves into how difficult it would have been for them. It strikes me that both groups went through something unimaginable. One group did it by choice. There's probably a lesson in that.

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Nov 1Liked by Jason A Clark

I found the episode although I haven't watched it yet (season 10, episode 18). Thanks Jason!

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author

I rewatched it myself. He spends a lot of time looking at thecrescue attempts which I thought was a good angle for the show. Josh Gates might have the best job ever!

Let me know what you think.

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Another good read with details I was unfamiliar with.

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How to dispel error and use a macabre incident for an edifying lesson? Here is the demonstration! What an interesting way to point people toward enduring hope, and strengthening our character. How I wish all our young people, who find “zombie” themed movies and books entertaining, would instead read and fully understand this story and the necessity of the application exposed here.

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