Celebrate
My ancestors fled Germany through Switzerland into the United States. They did this because they were being persecuted for their religious beliefs. They did this in spite of the probability of never seeing their family or homeland again. They did this in spite of vast hardships during the trip and after arriving. Making a home in a land where they didn't speak the language (for two generations), traveling thousands of miles with little to eat, no ready medical treatments, no security, and no guarantees. They lost possessions, children, spouses, family, and health to live in a country that would allow them to worship our God through Jesus Christ.
I am careful to not forget and careful not to take for granted the freedoms they have provided for our family at a very high cost to themselves. I'm thankful they had the strong faith to take that horrible risk. I come from "strong blood", farmers mainly, who toiled to make this country a place where all can live in religious freedom. They built churches and lived a life dedicated to God, through Jesus Christ, and they made sure their children were educated to do the same.
My life was peppered with Biblical quotes and sayings. My public school taught Biblical lessons for living life. It wasn't a duty, it was a way of life that insured a new generation appreciated and lived thankfully those religious freedoms. I have been Blessed to have that belief system taught to me all my life. It frightens me that so many others do not appreciate the Blessings of living in this land of freedom and plenty. On this July 4, 2006, let me quote the first and last verses of Samuel Francis Smith's (1808-1895 - American Baptist pastor and poet) beautiful worship for America:
"My country 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims' pride,
From every mountain-side,
Let freedom ring!
Our fathers' God, to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee I sing;
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God our King!"
May you turn your thoughts to what you are thankful for this Independence Day. Not simple possessions but the true freedom of religion: Standing in public worshiping God. Not having your Bible confiscated and burned. Not having to hide your face, your Bible, your church or your worship. Not having your home bombed because you worship God. You can go on for days if you want to spend time in prayer of thanksgiving for the Blessings God has given you simply because you or your ancestors came to live in America. Let us not forget our Blessings; they can be temporary if we do not appreciate and protect them. John 15:7 "If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."
I am careful to not forget and careful not to take for granted the freedoms they have provided for our family at a very high cost to themselves. I'm thankful they had the strong faith to take that horrible risk. I come from "strong blood", farmers mainly, who toiled to make this country a place where all can live in religious freedom. They built churches and lived a life dedicated to God, through Jesus Christ, and they made sure their children were educated to do the same.
My life was peppered with Biblical quotes and sayings. My public school taught Biblical lessons for living life. It wasn't a duty, it was a way of life that insured a new generation appreciated and lived thankfully those religious freedoms. I have been Blessed to have that belief system taught to me all my life. It frightens me that so many others do not appreciate the Blessings of living in this land of freedom and plenty. On this July 4, 2006, let me quote the first and last verses of Samuel Francis Smith's (1808-1895 - American Baptist pastor and poet) beautiful worship for America:
"My country 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims' pride,
From every mountain-side,
Let freedom ring!
Our fathers' God, to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee I sing;
Long may our land be bright
With freedom's holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God our King!"
May you turn your thoughts to what you are thankful for this Independence Day. Not simple possessions but the true freedom of religion: Standing in public worshiping God. Not having your Bible confiscated and burned. Not having to hide your face, your Bible, your church or your worship. Not having your home bombed because you worship God. You can go on for days if you want to spend time in prayer of thanksgiving for the Blessings God has given you simply because you or your ancestors came to live in America. Let us not forget our Blessings; they can be temporary if we do not appreciate and protect them. John 15:7 "If ye abide in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."
posted by Diane Gibson at
10:39 AM
