Happy BD America, Happy 4th of July aka Independence Day!
Democracy and freedom were born 246 years ago, July 4th 1776 — freedoms we so often take for granted. No wonder so many mistreated, disenfranchised people want to leave their oppressed and war-torn homelands to come to the “land of the free and the home of the brave”.
We are still in Cabo and because there are 45 Americans here on-site, they are setting up a July 4th celebration for us tonight. Good food, fireworks, family fun, and music – those things that are symbolic of this great day.
I have fond childhood memories of when my dad took us to Dallas’ Cotton Bowl July 4th celebrations of a spectacular fireworks’ show. We also had wonderful family reunions at the lake that concluded with a slew of fireworks, along with the “chasers” that chased my mama down the street! She nearly broke her neck running like a wild woman!
Back in those days, I don’t remember giving much thought to what the meaning of July 4th was. But the more July 4ths that I experience, the more grateful I am for the freedoms we know — especially when I consider the tumultuous times that others around the world are living in. My gratitude increases for this “UNITED” States of America and our brave and courageous men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and for those who serve us today in those countries and defend us here. In the words of President Ronald Reagan, I say, “This is the birthday of the greatest nation on earth.”
This year, like never before, I am realizing that though our Country’s independence meant our freedom from England’s rule, I realize how much we need to be DEPENDENT on God. Our forefathers sought Him for His divine will to be done, and shouldn’t we seek Him too?
The delegates were frustrated at the first Constitutional Convention. They were so fragmented that they were just about to throw out the whole concept of a constitution. Then Benjamin Franklin rose to his feet and said: “Gentlemen, if it is true that not one single petal from any flower falls to the ground without escaping God’s attention, will the distress of this nation go unheeded? Let us therefore determine to seek His face.” They promptly got down on their knees and when they arose from prayer, the slogan, “e pluribus unum” was born: “One out of many” (the many states became the United States.)
Freedom of speech. Freedom to worship. Freedom to do what we believe leads to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” While I appreciate the freedoms that July 4th represents, St. Paul speaks of a FREEDOM that amplifies all those freedoms if we would simply take this freedom to heart and practice it daily.
Galatians 5:13 says: “For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong but use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Those words were bought with the blood of our Savior. Love is the answer to everything.
We should embrace that highest freedom: LOVE. We should campaign for THAT freedom. It would cause our hearts for humanity to be stronger, and it would show the world what true freedom looks like. We won’t find that love in the rant of a hateful, bitter, and angry spokesperson, be it a religious, political, celebrity or man-on-the-street that is tearing others to shreds.
It won’t be found at the table with gossip and backbiting. The irony is: when we aren’t loving, we give up our freedom. We become entangled in our own words and actions and then hatred overtakes love. When LOVE is the deciding factor in every debate, every conversation, every daily routine and practice, the outcome will be FREEDOM.
July 4th is a time to celebrate a significant event in our American history. But let us also think about what real freedom means for us right here, right now. If we would use our freedoms to love more, then our world would light up like fireworks that light up the dark…..everywhere!