It is our birthday... "we the people". These United States of America have grown in number and territory since that July 4th day in 1776, but our birthday remains the same.
Our forefathers came in different ways and under a variety of circumstances. Most of them were difficult. Very few came with ample resources, those who did discovered that this was no place for anyone not willing to work and work hard.
Many of the first came seeking a safe place to worship God. Each group had different ways and different rules for their expressions of faith, and they wanted a land where they were free to pray, say what they believed and build communities that reflected their beliefs without persecution. They had plenty of land for their little pockets of communities. They could do business between colonies, but continue in their own ways and traditions.That worked for a time, but eventually, they discovered that there was a strength that was born out of coming together and laying down some personal convictions for the greater good of the country.
When the founding fathers came together... they came from different places. Each one had denominational tenets that were important to them as communities and individuals and business interests. They arrived representing their community, but their personal convictions came along to keep it interesting.
At 242 years of age, the Declaration of Independence is a powerful little piece of literature. Thanks to Saturday morning's SchoolHouse Rock and Miss Sharon Wahl... I can still write and sing the Preamble. Many of us sang it to ourselves as we wrote it as part of our 8th grade Constitution requirements in 1978-79. The words are etched deeply into our memories and in our little community, we were... and still are patriots.
We grew up knowing the void left at the high price of freedom. Relatives lost in the WW1,WW2, Korea and Vietnam... family we never met or lost to war.
My Dad served between wars in the Army and my Uncle Mel in Japan during the Korean War, but I had schoolmates whose fathers endured Vietnam. Soldiers who were obedient to their leaders, but publicly criticized and disrespected. Some of the bravest and most valiant men I have ever known served there. Most do not talk about it. My sister served in Okinawa at Kadena in the Air Force... it where she took her last breath due to an undiagnosed heart defect. Dying not in battle, but far away from home. My twin cousins are still active duty in the US Navy. James Maisonneuve and David Maisonneuve... thank you for your service. Thank you to their wives...Hillary & Amanda... and their sons who serve with them, keeping the homefires warm and waiting.
Freedom isn't free.
Young men and women are still in danger every day to protect freedom and stand for those with no voice. Military men and women helping, holding, carrying and comforting widows and orphans... serving "the least of these" in places where violence erupts daily. They are help and hope. They put the lives of others before their own. We can cover them in prayer as they serve and protect.
"We the people"... all the people... make up the fabric of this great land we call the United States of America. There is a beauty and richness that comes from the diversity as countless cultures came together. Actually, collided might be a better word. The "melting pot" as it is called, but melting is easier said than done. Preservation of the flavors of our uniqueness in our differences, but coming together as one family as Americans. It is who we are when we are at our best... "We the people..."
Whatever our roots... we are... together... the United States of America. Diversely beautiful and collectively stronger when we hold hands.
We love baseball, sweet corn, watermelon, fried chicken and cherry (or apple) pie. We believe in cookies from home, sharing and helping our neighbors. When government hands are tied, overspent or move too slowly... our churches, charitable organizations and individual citizens step to the plate to provide immediate help and assistance.
This is America. In some of our darkest moments, we are at our best. "We the people..."
When the arrogance of affluence believes they know what the nation wants and needs, the people still get a vote. History shows that a large number of quietly voting citizens can be a catalyst for change. Some of those quiet, rational citizens eventually assemble to create a bigger voice for change when it is needed.
We don't always get it right, but we will keep trying. Why? Because "We the People" know that we are better together. The media does it's best to divide us. Sometimes it is successful. The news and tabloids love drama. They feed into it and we, at times, feed off of it... feuling fears, building anger and creating unnecessary divisions.
In the beginning... this nation believed in God... and invited him to the birth of a nation. They carefully crafted a separation of church and state, knowing the horrors they lived in other places. The fought for freedom to choose how to live.
We have been a home for the homeless and a promised land for those seeking a new start. This is still a place to chase a dream.
We, as a nation, have sinned against people. Some were brought without a choice and without a voice in horrible conditions to live in slavery. Others... the true Native Americans... have been mistreated and herded like cattle to reservations, although cattle would have been shown more compassion. There is no "undo" button. We can only move forward with a commitment to do better and be better... together. Holding hands and lifting each other up is when we really shine.
On this day, Psalm 33 is full of wisdom. Verse 12 says:
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, -Psalm 33:12a
Were we? Are we? Will we be again? Something to ponder.
Today, we will savor the celebration of 242 years.
Today, I am grateful for the 4th of July. Happy 242nd Birthday, USA.
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