Happy Birthday, USA?!?
The Fourth of July brought our annual cookout, smores and all the fixings minus the fireworks, although I think that was limited in the USA this year as well due to the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemia.
This year the United States of America celebrated 244 years of independence and remembered yet again her desire to allow ALL PEOPLE to pursue certain God-given freedoms: "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."
I do not currently reside in the US and have not really done so since 2001, other than visits. It is hard for me to understand everything that is going on there. What seems evident to me is that many people do not seem to be working very hard to understand or get along with others. There is much hate, violence and resentment that is leading to unrest in large sectors of society. The goals of the Founders of our nation seem to fall flat on deaf ears.
Civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., who, sadly, was assassinated in Memphis, TN, on my third birthday, said, "In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. Returning violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5).
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32).
My heart breaks in two as I see people mistreating each other in the name of protesting for freedom or defending rights. On both sides of the spectrum much wrong has been done. Martin Luther King, Jr., did not condone that; neither did Ghandi. True change will only come from giving God His rightful place in our lives and our patria.
Psalm 33:12 reminds us that "What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance" (New Living Translation).
President Ronald Reagan said, "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." As families unite and teach their children to love and respect each other, and to seek common ground instead of emphasizing differences, wounds will begin to heal, scars will form, but change can come and work for the good of all.
As we celebrate freedom and independence, let us be kind and love one another, following Jesus' ultimate example. Along with Tiny Tim, may we all say, "God bless us, every one!" I hope my post for July 4, 2021, can be much more positive.
My heart breaks in two as I see people mistreating each other in the name of protesting for freedom or defending rights. On both sides of the spectrum much wrong has been done. Martin Luther King, Jr., did not condone that; neither did Ghandi. True change will only come from giving God His rightful place in our lives and our patria.
Psalm 33:12 reminds us that "What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance" (New Living Translation).
President Ronald Reagan said, "All great change in America begins at the dinner table." As families unite and teach their children to love and respect each other, and to seek common ground instead of emphasizing differences, wounds will begin to heal, scars will form, but change can come and work for the good of all.
As we celebrate freedom and independence, let us be kind and love one another, following Jesus' ultimate example. Along with Tiny Tim, may we all say, "God bless us, every one!" I hope my post for July 4, 2021, can be much more positive.
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