Freedom

Is it just me? Or does this particular American Independence Day seem to come with a special uniqueness. I wonder…

In my new neighborhood where daily I see Street People, many in bondage to substances, people seem more hopeless and desperate. And with Brexit, the Presidential Campaign shenanigans, and random acts of intentional mayhem dominating the news headlines, I actually appreciate my freedoms more than ever before.

Each new day from my first breath till I rest at night I make a strong effort to fill my space with thanks for my many blessings. And nearly every day, especially those in which I don’t talk with one of my “kids,” I remember freedom is not free. It’s a good habit.

July 4th is not necessarily about recognizing our Armed Forces, Veterans, First Responders or to remember those who gave their all in the service of their country. Still, without so many Americans who have throughout history and still continue to risk everything to defend our values, standing against insurmountable odds, tyranny and terrorism, again and again we would not have established and grown this land of liberty. Without all the above we would not have the freedom to exercise our rights:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed...”*

I may be myopic here, but especially since the recent attacks on Paris, Orlando and Istanbul, I keep thinking of the line from the 1996 movie Independence Day**:

“…We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps its fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom…”

Maybe I actually am getting old. Or maybe the pressure of world events is exceptionally heavy lately. Still, in the back of my mind the song that inspired me as a child resounds in me today:

God Bless America!

“Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” 1 Timothy 2:8 (NLT)

*Declaration of Independence

**1996 Independence Day

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