The celebrations of July 4th often elicit feelings of pride that emphasize what people have accomplished. People get misty eyed as they sing, “proud to be an American.” They ask that “God bless America.”
God has blessed America, in spite of many missteps or actions that have not represented Him well.
I am thankful to be an American.
I am thankful to live in a beautiful country where I enjoy the many freedoms we have.
But even as I give thanks, I remember those around the world who do not have those freedoms. I remember those both inside and outside our borders, who are not free.
I enjoy being wowed by fireworks celebrations.
But even as I celebrate, I remember there are others around the world, who are hearing similar sounds and are being filled with terror, as they hear the heralds of what will kill and destroy.
I resist pledging allegiance to the flag, an inanimate object, even when it represents the republic. But I am not a public rebel.
So I participate in the pledge and I pray that we will truly become one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.
I remember those in our country who were not freed by the Declaration of Independence nor the pledge of allegiance. Their freedoms came much later after hard battles at great cost.
When I stand and place my hand over my heart, I do so remembering that He Who created my heart also created the hearts of those who some would call our enemies.
I remember Jesus’ command to pray for our enemies and do good to those who despitefully use us.
I pledge allegiance to Jesus and resolve to continue working to fulfill His Mission that we all be one, as we were created to be.
I am constantly awed at the diverse beauty of this country. I could easily vote to have “America The Beautiful” as our theme song.
Katherine Bates was a teacher at a Colorado college during the summer of 1893.
Later she remembered:
“One day some of the other teachers and I decided to go on a trip to 14,000-foot Pikes Peak. We hired a prairie wagon.
Near the top we had to leave the wagon and go the rest of the way on mules. I was very tired. But when I saw the view, I felt great joy. All the wonder of America seemed displayed there, with the sea-like expanse.”
She hastily wrote in her notebook the words that would become the lyrics of a a song of praise to God, Who created the beauty of America. It was also her prayer.
Her prayer is now mine too.
“America! America!
God mend thine ev’ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law…
“America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.”
