Henry Ward Beecher was a charismatic clergyman, reformer, abolitionist and speaker. Born into a family that was famous for producing social crusaders, he was especially close to his sister, Harriet Beecher Stowe, the writer of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” His other well-known siblings included educators, Catherine Beecher and Reverend Thomas Beecher, and activists Charles Beecher and Isabella Beecher. Henry Ward Beecher was notorious for his preaching style. He campaigned for Women’s suffrage, temperance and Darwin’s theory of evolution. He hated slavery and eschewed bigotry of any kind whether religious, racial or social. Everyone, not only the select few, was entitled to freedom, hope and joy!
“The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.”
Henry Ward Beecher
The social reformer has spoken: Joy belongs to the entire world.
Lady Budd 
What a progressive family. I had no idea that there were so many famous Beechers.
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Neither did I!! Can you imagine the family gatherings at Christmas dinner?
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Now there’s a thought.
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I wonder who carved the turkey…
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Indeed; did their democratic and social reforming allow the women to carve the turkey and the men to cook it?
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Now that IS an interesting question. You have given me something to research – and you know how I like to do that!!!!
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Thank you, Rebecca, for bringing joy to my day and to my world. It is truly a joy to know you. Sending extra special blessings for a joy-filled Christmastime.
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My dear, Lizzie! My best Christmas present is that we connected and that we will be travelling the same road. Now that gives me great joy…
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Wonderful post about incredible role models for all of us!
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I have done a little reading about Harriet Beecher Stowe (need to do more). As I recall, the whole family knew that she was the writer – that she could tell the story of slavery like no other. Her family pitched in with all of the housekeeping, food preparation and child care so that she could spend her time writing. Which reminds me, yet again, that “a small group of people can change the world.”
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Wonderful thoughts, and so true, 🙂
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Thank you!! Sometimes we think joy is only for a lucky few who have somehow figured everything out. I think that joy comes as you try to figure it all out – and that usually takes a lifetime. It is nice that Joy can be a companion along the way….
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