…of a plain southern American woman. I’m not sophisticated or brilliant or particularly discerning. But I do love this country of my forefathers. It is my country too and I would not want to live anywhere else.
On this cloudy, cool Day of Independence, my thoughts are meandering here and there; so, I’ll just jot them down in no particular order.
Tonight when all the fireworks light up the skies, how many of us will be grateful for the sacrifices of many Americans that let us enjoy celebrating this day of Independence?
This is truly a day that commemorates more than picnics, family get-togethers, a day off work. Do we know why we celebrate?
I’m grateful to the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence. Merchants, ministers, land owners, farmers, soldiers, surveyors, doctors, scientists; they came together and spoke with one voice against the tyranny of England’s king: we declare ourselves a free and independent nation. They risked losing fortunes, imprisonment, and death. Freedom meant a lot to them. Does it mean that much to us? It meant everything to Patrick Henry: “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!“
Today, our Constitution is under attack; not from without but from within. Take a look at the first two amendments. Those brave and thoughtful and, I believe, God-inspired words of our Constitution are being ignored. Or, as one benighted politician said, the second amendment should just be taken out.
If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?—Psalm 11:3
We have a glorious history. When parts of our history are obliterated, they will be replaced by something. Nature abhors a vacuum. When parts of our past are declared politically incorrect, what politically correct replacement will there be?
Today, let’s celebrate a Nation that began as a Christian Nation with leaders who often quoted the Bible, leaders like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Richard Henry Lee.
May we value freedom to the point where we look into, as much as possible, the backgrounds of those running for elected offices, and realize that we need leaders today like the leaders of yesterday; men and women who know that America is unique, a leader of Nations and a defender of freedom. We do not need people who have private agendas or axes to grind, those who want our great Nation relegated to just another country.
Happy Fourth of July, everybody. May we celebrate our independence from tyrannical thought. May we value our freedoms and guard them against loss!
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Well said, Blanche!
Thank you, Judy.