The Legend of the Thanksgiving Spoon

The Legend of the Thanksgiving Spoon (A True Story) By Michael Edds Thanksgiving conjures up many iconic images: the Mayflower crossing the Atlantic, Plymouth Rock, the early Pilgrims like William Bradford and Miles Standish, and that first historic meal shared between Native Americans and the newly arrived settlers. Over the years, countless stories have emerged around this deeply American holiday — some steeped in truth, others painted by the brush of myth or Hollywood. But one enduring tale has been passed down through 15 generations in my wife Jean’s family. It’s the story of an old silver spoon — a humble heirloom with an extraordinary legacy. According to family tradition, this spoon made the voyage on the Mayflower, clutched in the hands of one of its passengers: Stephen Hopkins. From that moment on, it was passed down to the youngest daughter in each generation. Jean’s Aunt Re is the current keeper of this curious artifact. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Surely, I thought, my own lineage was just as storied as my wife’s. So I began researching her family’s connection to Stephen Hopkins — and to this so-called “Thanksgiving Spoon.” To my surprise (and slight dismay), I discovered that Jean is indeed a direct descendant of Hopkins — a genuine Mayflower blue blood. Still, there was no trace of a silver spoon. Not yet. Determined to dig deeper, I immersed myself in Hopkins’ remarkable life. What I uncovered was the story of a man as complex and captivating as the history he helped shape. Stephen Hopkins was no typical Pilgrim — in fact, he wasn’t even a Puritan. Born in Hampshire, England, he married Mary Kent in the parish of Hursley. Together they had three children — Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles — all baptized there. Constance, as it turns out, is Jean’s ancestor. In 1609, Stephen set sail on the Sea Venture, bound for the Jamestown colony in Virginia. But fate intervened. The ship wrecked in Bermuda — then ominously known as the “Isle of Devils” — and the survivors remained stranded for ten months, surviving on turtles, birds, and wild pigs. During that time, Hopkins participated in a mutiny against the ship’s leadership. He was caught, tried, and sentenced to death. But in a rare display of mercy, his emotional plea for the sake of his wife and children moved the court to spare his life. Some believe Hopkins’ ordeal inspired Shakespeare’s character “Stephano” in The Tempest, which debuted shortly afterward in 1611. Eventually, the castaways built a vessel and sailed to Jamestown. Stephen returned to England by 1617. After his wife Mary’s death, he remarried — to Elizabeth Fisher — and in 1620, he boarded the Mayflower with his new family: Constance, Giles, and baby Damaris. Hopkins brought with him not just his family, but invaluable experience from his earlier time in America. He played a vital role in the colony’s early days — joining exploration parties, assisting in diplomacy with local tribes, and even hosting the Native American leader Samoset during his first night in Plymouth. He was one of 41 signers of the Mayflower Compact — a cornerstone of American self-governance — and later served as assistant to the governor. Though deeply involved in the colony’s early administration, Stephen’s later years were more turbulent. By the late 1630s, Hopkins found himself at odds with colonial authorities. He opened a tavern, sold beer at inflated prices, and was fined multiple times — including once for letting people play shuffleboard and drink on a Sunday. He even clashed violently with another settler, seriously injuring him in a fight. Scandals followed, including the pregnancy of his maidservant by another man — an affair that embroiled Hopkins in legal trouble when he refused to support her and the child. But in time, Hopkins seemed to find stability. He befriended both Miles Standish and William Bradford, and his home became the colony’s makeshift arsenal and courthouse. Both Standish and Bradford would go on to witness and sign Hopkins’ final will. Stephen Hopkins died sometime between June and July of 1644. Still searching for the fabled spoon, I scoured every document I could find — finally discovering Hopkins’ will on the Pilgrim Hall Museum website. There, buried in the lengthy legal language, I read the words I’d been hoping for: “Also I do give and bequeath unto my foure daughters, that is to say Deborah Hopkins, Damaris Hopkins, Ruth Hopkins and Elizabeth Hopkins, all the mooveable goods… all wch said mooveables to bee equally devided amongst my said daughters foure silver spoones that is to say to eich of them one…” There it was — four silver spoons left to four daughters. But this posed a new mystery: Constance, my wife’s ancestor, was not among the named recipients. How, then, did her line inherit the spoon? The answer came through the writings of William Bradford, who in 1650 recorded the status of the Hopkins family: “Mr. Hopkins and his wife are now both dead… they had one son and four daughters born here. Their son became a seaman and died at Barbadoes, one daughter died here and two are married… Constance is also married and hath twelve children, all of them living.” One of the four daughters to whom the spoons were left had died. According to the will, in such a case, her portion was to be divided among the surviving sisters. That’s how Constance came to possess one of the original silver spoons — a legacy passed through loss, love, and the enduring spirit of family. And so the journey of the Thanksgiving Spoon comes full circle. It’s not just an old piece of silver — it is a thread connecting centuries, woven through hardship, faith, rebellion, redemption, and gratitude. This Thanksgiving, as Aunt Re sets the table and polishes the old spoon once more, it will be placed alongside turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and pie. But more than that, it will rest in the hand of another descendant of Stephen Hopkins — a silent witness once again to prayers lifted to a gracious God by those who remember, and those who give thanks.

“The Coming Darkness: A Dream and a Warning”

In the fall of 2004, I had a dream. It was so real and terrifying that I had to get up from my bed to settle myself. Here is the account of the dream: I was visiting my birthplace, a small village in the beautiful Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia. I pulled my car off the road and parked in front of the old Methodist Church. Stepping out to stretch my legs, I found the day to be absolutely pristine and picture-perfect. The sky was cloudless, the sun brilliant, the air fresh and crystal clear. I admired the flowers blooming in the yards. Many people were outside working in their gardens, soaking in the beauty and peace of the day. There was such serenity all around. Then I turned and looked toward the southeast — and froze. A massive billowing cloud of absolute blackness was advancing toward the town. It blotted out all light, all beauty, everything in its path. As it approached the river that marked the edge of the village, I gasped, “Oh my God, the Darkness has come!” I sensed great evil and danger within it. Looking around, I expected others to see it too. But to my shock, no one noticed. People kept working in their yards, smiling, unaware of the approaching wall of darkness. I cried out, “They do not realize what it will be like when the Darkness comes! All the sunlight, all the beauty and peace will vanish. Life will suddenly and drastically change.” I turned to get into my car and flee. But before I could, six motorcyclists burst out of the blackness. They crossed the bridge into the town — the advance guard of the Darkness. They rode black motorcycles and were dressed head-to-toe in black leather. As they approached, the leader shouted at me: “Don’t you dare leave!” I locked my doors, floored the gas pedal, and fled. The tires screamed as I sped away. The riders pursued me, trying to force me off the road. I swerved, causing two of them to crash, but the others chased me for many miles, even firing shots at me. Finally, I approached some men working on the road and tried to ask for help. The motorcyclists were no longer in sight. I started to get out of the car — but heard a voice from above warning, “Stay in the car. Drive on.” I obeyed. Eventually, realizing I was low on gas, I stopped at a station to refuel. As I stood there, praying fervently for God’s protection, the dream ended. When I awoke, I was trembling with fear. Key Elements of the Dream • The Darkness came suddenly upon the land. • Before it came, everything was serene, beautiful, and peaceful. • No one saw it coming. • An advance guard came first on a reconnaissance mission. • When the Darkness arrived, it blotted out all light, beauty, and peace. • Life drastically changed for everyone. • I fled for safety, obeying the voice of warning. The Interpretation: A Warning for America America is standing at the threshold of something cataclysmic — A wall of Darkness is about to fall upon this land. John 14:13 tells us that the Holy Spirit “will tell you of things to come.” God often gives warnings in advance so that His people can prepare. Hebrews 11:7 says, “Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear and prepared an ark for the saving of his household…” Today, a false sense of peace covers the land. But Darkness is already at work beneath the surface. The cup of iniquity is full, and divine judgment is near. Something will soon shatter the hardness of this nation’s heart. Yet in His mercy, God has revealed something else to me: A Great Awakening is coming. It will be a final opportunity for America — and the world — to repent. It will draw together the true Bride of Christ. Historically, Awakenings have often preceded calamity. This time, the Darkness may come first, driving people to desperation — and ultimately to God. The Call: Prepare an Ark of Safety May we listen carefully to the warnings of the Holy Spirit. May we move with godly fear, as Noah did, to prepare “arks of safety” — places where others can find refuge when disaster strikes. The Darkness is coming. We must be ready.

The Betrayal of Pentecost

The Betrayal of Pentecost by Michael Edds Acts 1:8 declares, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." The fulfillment of that prophetic word is recorded in Acts 2:4 when a rag-tag group of refugees met in an upstairs room in Jerusalem. It states, "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them utterance." You could call them "the first Pentecostals." The First Century Church was given this supernatural power in order to evangelize the world, and evangelize the world they most certainly did! From tiny Israel to Asia, Europe and around the world, this revival company became a channel through which the message of salvation was given to a lost and helpless humanity. The Book of Acts records the massive revival that swept the known world by those whose souls the Holy Spirit had set on fire. Millions were swept into the kingdom of Heaven because of their powerful witness. This Holy Spirit - endued group aroused the fury of Hell. All-out-war was savagely waged against them. The Hebrews 11 records, "....(They) were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trials of cruel mockings and scourgings, and, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, they were tried by temptation, they were killed with the sword. They went from place to place in sheepskins or goatskins, enduring want, oppression and cruelty ... of whom the world was not worthy; in deserts wandering, and in mountains, and in caves, and in the holes of the earth..." The more the dark forces of Hell killed, the more the Early Church grew. What a blood - drenched legacy they have left for the 21st Century church! What have the Pentecostals of the 21st Century done with this precious heritage? For many of their televangelists, the message is PROSPERITY! The message of self-sacrifice, of giving all for the salvation of others has been replaced with "seed faith," a self-centered creed that encourages people to give to God (or their ministries) in order to get back even more. It is an appeal to one of the baser elements of the fallen nature of man......greed. It is the "divine stock market." Michael Scott Horton, teacher at a seminary in California, made this observation: "Some of these people are charlatans. Others are honestly dedicated to one of the most abhorrent errors in religious theology." Quite a spectacle on television today! On our TV screens, we see miracle water being offered that will cure all; books, tapes, DVD's for sale full of secret scriptural codes on how to get rich and prosper, and televangelists' appealing to give to their "ministry" with a certainty to receive much more financial gain in return. While "being led of the spirit," a female televangelist "prophetically" stated that God had given her the number 777. She told the people who were viewing that "God told her" that they needed to quickly give to that particular "ministry" money according to those set of numbers.... $777, $7777, and on up. They were promised a great return on their "seed faith investment." Another televangelist labeled people as stupid who question his prosperity doctrine. He declared, "Hell will be full of these stupid people." He further stated, " I can handle the flames (of Hell) but not being with stupid people for eternity." "Can't pay your bills, your rent, utilities, and medical bills? The appeal is, "take what you have and send it in right away!! Or, charge it on your credit card. Within a few days, you will receive a hundred-fold, more than enough to pay all of those bills! It is like playing a "divine lottery" in the hopes to get rich quick. Sadly, gullible people give by the millions. What a stark contrast between the early Pentecostals and those of the 21st Century. The first were revolutionaries filled with a holy fire to bring the message "Jesus Saves" to a lost, dying generation. They counted it an honor to give away all and expect nothing in return in order to save a lost soul. Beatings, imprisonment, mocking and even death for the sake of the Gospel were signs of spiritual prosperity for them. Designer clothes, upscale homes, sleek cars, huge bank accounts and living the good life were not measures of spiritual success. Instead, sheep skin and goatskin rags, wandering in the desert, mountains and living in caves and the holes of the earth, suffering and even death for the sake of Christ were evidences of real prosperity for them. Hell feared them. Demons trembled before them. Satan sought to destroy them. Selfless sacrifice was the banner that was raised high over them. Multiple millions were transformed by their message and their authentic lives. The sick were healed, the dead were raised and the sinner was forgiven. What an incredible impact they had. They turned the world upside down. They were an honor to Christ and to the Holy Spirit. What about their 21st Century Counterparts? Their message is "gain is a sign of Godliness." They invite you to give sacrificially (to them) in order to be wealthy. Wear the finest, drive the best, live in the upscale in order to demonstrate to the world that you are blest of God! You can have the GOOD LIFE NOW!" Heaven weeps over them, Hell laughs at them, and the world is lost because of them! They preach "another gospel," which is beamed around the world. Millions are being led astray by their apostasy. Multitudes end up on the trash heap of disillusionment when this false theology does not work. They are blind guides leading the blind. They have disgraced the precious Holy Spirit and His gifts. They mock and blaspheme Him and use His gifts in error. They teeter on the brink of blasphemy. They have trampled under foot the holy legacy given and paid for by the blood of the martyrs. THEY HAVE BETRAYED THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!! THEY HAVE BETRAYED PENTECOST!!! The precious Pentecostal Movement, which has energized the lives of countless millions of Christians, has been hijacked by these false prophets or should I say "profits." They live the life of royalty in their lavish palaces, ranches and great estates. Their garages are full of the most expensive luxury cars and recreational toys. Rolex watches, expensive jewelry and the finest of clothing adorn their bodies. All of this has been made possible because of the "seed faith" gifts of the faithful! What a mockery, what a disgrace! The cry of the hour is, "Oh that YOU would rend the Heavens and come down! Purge the House of God like you did long ago. Overturn the tables of the merchandisers. Drive out the money changers. Restore your church, Lord! Raise up shepherds after your own heart! Return the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit to your church again. Raise up a selfless generation of believers who are willing to give all for the sake of the Gospel." Let our prayer be that of the true prophet of old when he cried out: "O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known."