Sunday, July 4, 2010

Fourth of July

On the birthdays of my children, I always think back to the day they were born. This morning, I thought back to the birth of America. July 4, 1776. I wasn’t there, although my children may insist that I could have been. It was 234 years ago when 56 men gathered together to sign the Declaration of Independence. The youngest among them was only 26 years old and the oldest, Ben Franklin, was 70. The majority of these men were prosperous, wealthy, and secure; lacking nothing except that which they were willing to risk their lives - their freedom.
They reviewed the document that listed their grievances against the king, proclaimed their freedom from Great Britain, and outlined the universal principles that would shape the character and direction of the emerging new nation.
They signed their names in ink, but it may have well been with their own blood, for if the cause failed, each could have been found guilty of treason against the crown, and hung. As Jefferson said, “We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” They risked it all for liberty.
Signing was an act of heroism matched on the battlefield. Five of the signers were captured while fighting in the war. Like hundreds of others at that time, many of the signers saw their homes and property occupied, ransacked, and vandalized. One signer watched as his two sons were captured and another witnessed his son’s death on the battlefield. These experiences were shared by countless other brave men.
The freedom that was won has had to be maintained over the years. Freedom is not free. In any community, you will find veterans who have sacrificed their time, strength, and sometimes their health as they have served our country. Others have sacrificed their lives.
America is still producing brave young men and women who serve in our military. My niece’s husband served in Iraq, missed the birth of his son while in Africa, and spent six months in Japan. And I don’t think that it’s just to get away from our family. He has found a cause greater than himself.
Concerning the Fourth of July, John Adams wrote, "I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival... it ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..." I know that many cities will unite this year to fulfill his wishes.
I love the fireworks that go up unnoticed, then suddenly burst into light against the dark night. I’d like to think that our prayers are like that. They may be solitary and silent, but as they reach heaven, under God’s anointing, I believe that they return to earth in wisdom, strength, direction, and protection for the men and women who serve our country.
Today, and every day, may God bless you, and may God bless America.

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