Happy Fourth of July, Friends! I hope you have a day of fun and celebration planned. I am watching the 4th of July Kid’s Parade in 
the park across the street from my house. I love living in a small town! Kids, bicycles with red, white, and blue streamers, lots of flags, sirens, patriotic music, balloons! What’s not to like?
But do we remember why we celebrate the price that was paid for our freedom? Not to be a downer as you grill your brats and ready your stash of fireworks for the Big Boom, but I think it is good to remember.
I borrowed these facts from my friend Trish Pickard. (Thanks, Trish!)
“The Declaration of Independence was approved JULY 4, 1776. John Hancock signed first, saying “the price on my head has just doubled.” Benjamin Franklin said “We must hang together or most assuredly we shall hang separately.” Of the 56 signers: 17 served in the army; 11 had homes destroyed; 5 were hunted down by the British and captured; Abraham Clark’s two sons were imprisoned on the British starving ship Jersey; John Witherspoon’s son was killed in battle; Francis Lewis’ wife was imprisoned and died from harsh treatment; many, like Thomas Nelson & Carter Braxton lost their fortunes; and 9 died during the War.”
Since that time, many others have given their lives to preserve the freedom that was first declared on July 4, 1776. Let us never forget those who gave their lives, their time, their fame and fortune. Those who gave that we might live free and prosper. And let us not forget those who continue to give that we might celebrate today.
As you enjoy your 4th of July celebration, take a moment to give thanks to Almighty God who endowed those brave men and their families with the courage and grace to pay the price of freedom. Take a moment to give thanks for all the soldiers and sailors and marines who serve now, preserving freedom that we might celebrate this day without worry of being hunted, arrested, starved or imprisoned. No matter how we feel about our country’s decisions to go to war around the world, the soldiers go as ordered. They go with pride in doing a job they feel called to do. They leave family and friends behind to serve. They deserve our honor and our thanks today and everyday. And they deserve our prayers for their safety and protection. It’s the least we can do.
Want to do a little something else for our soldiers to celebrate the 4th? How about A Cup of Joe for a Joe? You can send a real, honest to goodness, American cup of coffee to a soldier via this link. http://www.greenbeanscoffee.com/coj/index.php
And finally, never forget the ultimate one who died to see us free: Jesus. Galations 5:1 says, “It was for freedom, Christ set us free. Do not let yourself again be burdened with a yoke of slavery.”
Can I pray with you today?
“ Thank you, Lord, for dying for me. Thank you, Father God, that You sent Your Son to die in our place as a sacrifice for all. Lord, we thank you that You love freedom. We thank You that we live in a free country because of the courage and strength You gave to those who signed the Declaration of Independence. Lord, we live in a day where these sacrifices are taken for granted. We want the freedom without paying the price and we have forgotten that freedom comes with a price. You paid it for us. Martyrs blood has stained the ground since then. Let us not forget. Help us to remember those who continue to serve so that we may live free. May we honor their sacrifice as we remember on this day. Our country is far away from the morals, the faith, and ideals of those brave men who signed that document. May we return to You, Dear Lord. As a country and as a people. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Now go fire off something! And may God bless America!
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