Happy Independence Day

 

 "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."- John Adams to his wife, Abigail, referencing Independence Day, the day it was approved in Congress.

It is truly a day worth celebrating and I love to celebrate. My wife has made me quite the family tradition lover and there are several things that I relish about this day. I believe it is important to say that we should not lose this day in festivities. This last Memorial Day there were several pictures and posts on social media sites that reminded us that Memorial Day is not just another day to have a cook-out, and I would remind you of that same message for this great day. You have heard it said "Freedom is not free" and therefore can not be taken for granted. Aside from the opportunity that this day affords us to get together with dear friends and share a meal, there are a couple other things that always come to mind and I thought that I would share them. I could not go through this day without rehearsing in my mind The Star Spangled Banner. In my home, I have heard it several times today and it still gives me goose bumps. Another of my holiday favorites is certainly common to a lot of people, and that is the viewing of fireworks. Every year I try to get out to a couple displays, but it never seems to work out. By far, the best show I have seen personally is the "Illuminations" show at Disney's Epcot. One of the best televised/videoed displays, although not in America, would be New Year's in London, 2012.

My church has heard me say several times that a great patriot is a great christian and a great christian is a great patriot. Of course, that is not to say that national pride earns you a ticket to heaven, but to consider the heritage of this great nation and truly appreciate it must bring one to an appreciation of the one true Giver of Liberty. Despite revisionist history, I still believe in the Christian, not religious, not Judeo-Christian, but Christian foundation upon which this country was founded and built. If you struggle with this truth or wish to gain a deeper understanding of this truth, I highly recommend David Barton's website, Wall Builders.

And so on this great day of celebration, I encourage all Americans to stand up for liberty and against all who would threaten or take from us this liberty, but so much the more, I want to encourage God's people today, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free". As a Christian and an American, that has to be my Perspective.