I’m blessed to live in America

Let this Fourth of July be a renewal of respect, courage and dedication for this great country. I don’t know about you, but I get just a little weary of continual controversy over issues that would adversely affect this nation.

Excuse me, but I love our country. I love the red, white and blue, and I don’t appreciate any disrespect to our flag or any other sacredness of our nation’s symbols.

Yes, many complain and want to change America. I say, “Our founding fathers built the foundation for freedom, and we want to keep it at all cost.”

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Congress could work together for the good of our nation instead of the party?

More than that, we have taken prayer out of school or other public places, and I find it disturbing to ban prayer because of separation of church and state, only to grasp prayer and cling to it in a national tragedy. No one seems to mind prayer in a public place whenever there is a severe crisis. In a case like that, I think there is none other to turn to except God.

We have seen crimes go unpunished. We have seen those perpetrators held above the “rule of law,” and we have seen the innocent become the victims.

The sovereignty of the United States has been threatened many times. I am sorely grieved when I think about our soldiers who are fighting for our freedom while some are apathetic about patriotism.

You see I love this country. I am proud to be an America. I want to pass on to my children and grandchildren a nation where people respect its flag, live by biblical principles and recognize that love of God and country is the way to real freedom.

We celebrate July 4 because our forefathers were willing to die rather than to be ruled by dictatorial tyranny. It is sad but true that something precious is not appreciated until it is lost.

Our founding fathers had the wisdom to base our Constitution on biblical principles, and these principles have endured for over 200 years. They have led to blessings and prosperity. “Doing what is right makes a nation great, but sin will bring disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34 NCV).

As we celebrate this July 4, let us reread the Declaration of Independence: “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.”

Let’s honor “Old Glory.” Let us live by the truths this country was founded upon. Let us honor God.

Jesus shed his blood to give us spiritual freedom. Remember the cross and the One who gave the highest sacrifice to free us from the bondage of sin.

I thank God I live in America, and I’m thankful for a Savior who died for me. On this Fourth of July, let us celebrate freedom and have gratitude for the guidance of a loving God who has guided and kept us this far.

Let freedom ring through this day (and every day). Let the flags wave. Let the proud sing with hands over hearts.

I must say it again, “America, I love you!”