Happy Monday! 

Today is Independence Day in the U.S. It’s a day to celebrate and reflect on our country’s freedoms. Sometimes we forget the cost of July 4, and it’s appropriate to take time to consider the sacrifices made in the efforts to gain liberation from oppression. Our Declaration of Independence reads, in part:

“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.”

Here’s a quote from Peter Marshall that puts the words above into a different perspective: 

No copyright infringement intended.

In the current state of our world, I wonder what differences we’d witness if we looked at the Declaration of Independence through the lens of Mr. Marshall’s words. Would we be able to honor and enjoy our freedoms without entitlement? Would we recognize the opportunities to do things with integrity and intentionality? Would our sense of compassion and kindness to all people be realized more completely and applied more liberally?

I believe the number of people who embrace our freedoms with a clear understanding of how precious our safety and plenty are outnumbering those who take these privileges for granted. Many embrace the opportunities to do what’s right because we have the freedom to discuss and explore the validity and functionality of any ideal. This practice is very different from many other countries’ philosophies. The challenge is to encourage open discussions of others’ opinions, lifestyles, and faith practices without judgment but with an earnest desire to learn, grow, and increase effective communication.

In the Christian faith, Scripture shares guidelines for achieving that end:

“Keep them faithfully because that will show your wisdom and insight to the nations who will hear about all these regulations. They will say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and insightful people!” Deuteronomy 4:6 (CSB)

5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,

Whose hope is in the Lord his God,

Who keeps truth forever, …

Who executes justice for the oppressed,

 Who gives food to the hungry.

 The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.” Psalm 146:5,7 (NKJV)

“Christ has set us free! This means we are really free. Now hold on to your freedom and don’t ever become slaves of the Law again.” Galatians 5:1 (CEV)

Today, as we celebrate the freedoms afforded to us all, let’s take a moment to check our perspectives. Let’s spend some time viewing our privileges as opportunities to do right, not as the right to do as we please. Let’s embrace the responsibility to be open to differing opinions through effective communication. And, let’s ensure our message seeks to uplift ourselves and others, joining together for the common cause of freedom.

Enjoy your day of barbeques, family, friends, and fireworks! Appreciate your freedoms and make space for stimulating conversations. Let this be a day when we celebrate right thinking and making plans to do what’s right.

Happy 4th of July!

Be Well & Be Blessed!

Lucinda