July 4th is my favorite holiday. Yes, it even trumps Christmas! I have so many fond memories of pool parties, bbqs, and staying up late with family friends. Loaded down with lawn chairs, mosquito spray and lemonade, we would all trudge the mile long haul to the park, racing to pick out just the right spot to view the night lights and feel the booming vibrations of the fireworks. It was thrilling and always over before I was ready.
That week our church service would always have patriotic songs and a prominently displayed American flag. I loved singing about my country and imagining those early soldiers peering through the smoke and chaos of battles to see the “flag was still there.”
On July 4, 1776, America claimed her independence from Britain. This country has been a melting pot as every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave.” What a diverse people we are! I’m proud to be American.
For me, I consider it a blessing beyond compare to be born into the freedom this country provides. When I hear about the dictatorships, genocides, wars, and sufferings faced in other lands, I am humbled and grateful. Perhaps God has protected our nation as it grew from its infant Puritan roots. Perhaps He has chosen to bless the descendents of those first pilgrims who risked even their very lives to obey Him, to worship Him.
All I know for sure is that I am thankful to be an American. One who grew up hearing the good news that God loves me, sent His Son to die for me, and wants me to have a relationship with Him. How blessed am I that I was taught this from birth?! It is my delight to spread that good news with the other girls in Evidence. And how blessed are we that we live in a land where it’s okay to do that? People don’t have to like what we have to say—that the ultimate evidence of a God who loves them is Jesus’ death on the cross. But thank God above that we have the freedom to say it.
That week our church service would always have patriotic songs and a prominently displayed American flag. I loved singing about my country and imagining those early soldiers peering through the smoke and chaos of battles to see the “flag was still there.”
On July 4, 1776, America claimed her independence from Britain. This country has been a melting pot as every day thousands leave their homeland to come to the "land of the free and the home of the brave.” What a diverse people we are! I’m proud to be American.
For me, I consider it a blessing beyond compare to be born into the freedom this country provides. When I hear about the dictatorships, genocides, wars, and sufferings faced in other lands, I am humbled and grateful. Perhaps God has protected our nation as it grew from its infant Puritan roots. Perhaps He has chosen to bless the descendents of those first pilgrims who risked even their very lives to obey Him, to worship Him.
All I know for sure is that I am thankful to be an American. One who grew up hearing the good news that God loves me, sent His Son to die for me, and wants me to have a relationship with Him. How blessed am I that I was taught this from birth?! It is my delight to spread that good news with the other girls in Evidence. And how blessed are we that we live in a land where it’s okay to do that? People don’t have to like what we have to say—that the ultimate evidence of a God who loves them is Jesus’ death on the cross. But thank God above that we have the freedom to say it.
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