July 4th is an annual day of celebration of our country's independence. Despite our country's problems, I am glad I was born and live here.
In the USA I have opportunities to build a good life through work; I can freely worship my God and believe in Jesus without being shot; and on most days I can walk outside w/o fear of being killed or hurt.
I have three brothers who served our country in the military and in state/federal law enforcement. I was honored to serve in our civilian, federal workforce for 20 years. We served and each paid some sort of price to help protect freedom for the citizens of our country of birth...
Whether it was keeping enemies at bay during war, keeping inmates civil during incarceration, keeping the streets of our cities free of crime, keeping the food supply of our nation safe and economically balanced, or and the hungry people in our inner cities and rural areas fed... My family has helped sustain freedom for the United States of America. And my family's ancestrial backgrounds originate from all over the world.
Is life in the USA easy or fair? No.
Are we in a free country? Compared to many, YES.
There are many debates regarding whether or not we live a life of freedom here, and they vary widely depending on where you were born, where your parents were born, where you live, where you work, and your level of suffering or gain throughout your life.
What I know and believe is this: Freedom comes with sacrifice and at great cost, especially in the midst of turmoil.
I look to the example set by Jesus dying on the cross for my sin, and I am eternally grateful for the freedom He has given me through faith in God's redeeming grace and love.
I celebrate this day on which we are thankful for freedom, with the knowledge that regardless of the state of the world around me, in my heart and soul I am free... And for that, I am thankful.
Happy Independence Day to all!