Taking a Stand

July 2, 2011

Taking a Stand for Independence

We arrive at summer's first three day weekend. More than that, we arrive at an important anniversary, a milestone in our nation's rich history. A legacy founded on an act of defiance, backed by our creator, and understood by men willing to sign their own arrest warrant and possibly face a death sentence. Such defining moments in life make all the difference. Rather than accepting the rule of royalty, earned only by birth, our fellow Americans took a stand. The odds weren't good for our start-up nation, but would they improve if our oppressor had a soldier posted at the entrance of every home? Patrick Henry thought not in response to the very question he posed to others. "Give me liberty or give me death" will always be part of our heritage. As the signers of the Declaration of Independence believed, as well as generations of Americans since, we value freedom more than life under false rule.

So what can we take from all the celebrations and fireworks? Surely we take pride in our government and rule by the people. More importantly, we too can take a stand! Like those who fought for or sustained our freedoms with their own lives, we can support our continued freedoms through our community involvement and by ruling our own lives. When observing fireworks or hearing our National Anthem, we can strengthen our own resolve to be steady in times of stress at work, school, or at home. We will win our battles if we take a stand, trust in ourselves and God, and perservere to the end.

The splendid life of free people comes with many trials, but few are like the perils of battle that fireworks symbolize. Why find fault with those who stand by us in the struggle of life, when very few experience the real explosions and danger of battle overhead? Take a stand to be kind to others. Be graceful under pressure with a gratitude for life, freedom, and a creator who casts sun and rain on all His children. May we learn from what others have achieved and granted to us with their sacrifice. May we improve our perspective on July 4th, our Day of Independence, when we celebrate our freedoms, pursue what gives us happiness, and choose to be good citizens of this fine country.

May God bless you now and forever,