Happy Independence Day American friends! (No offense, British friends!) I hope you are enjoying your day with friends and family and will catch this post in a few days.
I had a hard time composing this post. We live in such complicated times as a country. The divisions that exist clash in ways that cause unrest, whether they are political, economic, racial, philosophical, or religious. Everyone might have an idea about what foments these divisions, but ultimately I know that human nature does not always seek the selfless path. This is not an American issue, it is a human issue. It is an ancient struggle.
Jesus said to his followers, “… you are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. … For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Matthew 24:5-7).
Although we observe (and experience) conflicts in our nation, I am still grateful to be an American. There is an American ideal that we continue to chase, even if it seems elusive. The concept of freedom for all citizens and the opportunity to build our lives and raise our families within the guidance and principles we embrace is truly a blessing.
I’m grateful that America welcomed the world to build their lives in this land of freedom. I can remember my grandmother speaking positively of America as a ‘melting pot’ of humanity. The rich and diverse population of our nation is enriched by the cultures of the world who came to find what they could not have in their own land. From the hands of a Jewish poet, we read these familiar words:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" - Emma Lazarus,
I’m grateful to be an American when I consider the many lives lost in efforts to repel evil and protect freedom. I’m mindful of those who came back from wars with not only physical challenges but emotional ones as well.
I’m grateful because Christians in America have the freedom to gather every Lord’s Day and worship as they believe. I know that many of the greatest relief efforts that help people find paths out of struggles in their lives have come through communities of Christians following The Way of Jesus.
I’m grateful to be an American because I have the opportunity to express my preference for who will serve in our political system. Truthfully, I’m pained to see that America is in a political quagmire and I don’t see much hope of that correcting itself. The division and focus on political parties in Washington is self-perpetuating. I do not see much (any?) attempts or intentions of working together for the good of all. But I haven’t given up hope. I still vote and I pray for our leaders.
First of all, then, I exhort that petitions and prayers, requests and thanksgivings, be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. - 1 Timothy 2:1-2
I am grateful to be an American, but my first identity is Christian. As a citizen of the kingdom of heaven, I have a King. He is not elected, nor is his term limited.
As a Christian and an American, I believe we have never had a greater opportunity to get the only news that every human needs to hear propelled across the earth. The spread of the gospel from person to person is still the means by which the Jesus people change the world!
There’s a new day coming and on that day when all things are made new, I will bow before only one King - the one who died for me - and rose again on the third day. Maranatha!
So, Happy Birthday America! Truly you are the land of opportunity. I’m thankful that through the online community I have the opportunity to befriend people from around the world. I’m thankful that you read this post today, whoever you are. I hope you find a way to celebrate in freedom the blessing of living in America (if you do!).
Here are some posts I’ve saved to share.
If you happen to read and enjoy any of them, be sure to hit that heart - it encourages the writers to keep doing what they do.
-I appreciated the thoughts in John Dull’s One Nation ‘Under’ God?
-Jim Martin’s encouragement note is always just that. I especially liked his article in this issue, “What Helps Me When I Feel Discouraged.”
-You may recall that I entered a flash fiction contest a while back. I didn’t win, but you can check out Talebones Weekly’s post to see who did win and there is a link to all the entries. S. E. Reid continues to encourage writers and writing. A blessing.
-You may enjoy, as I did, Tim Wilson’s 7 Reflections on the Prayer Life of Jesus.
-Here’s a poem by Jamie Wohletz called The Joy Underneath.
-I loved Laura Kelly Fanucci’s post, The People Jesus Loves.
In case you missed some of my latest posts…
Images from Percy Quin State Park
Sermons and Bible Classes from my ministry at Forsythe Church of Christ can be found on my other ‘Stack:
Hadn't heard from you in a little while and am happy to read your post. I find myself struggling with cynicism with many things seemingly out of order. Thanks for the gentle, reperspective on things. Always an encouragement, John.🙏