Independence Day

I've only ever celebrated Independence Day outside of America twice. Ten years ago today I was in Ghana. Today I am in England, the country from which we seperated, and it's somewhat of an odd feeling. Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm wearing my red, white, and blue dress shirt and am as proud of my country as can be. It's just that not having the trappings of a "normal" July 4th has made me more appreciative for what exactly we commemorate today.

At home it's the "fourth of July," and there will be fireworks (to terrify my oldest son), cookouts, and special sales at car lots, etc. One person quipped the other day that Britans recall this date as the "Day of Great Rebellion," and he is right! All of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were law breakers, but I've never been so proud of a band of criminals as I am today.

I was blessed to be able to study early American religious history this spring. I was reminded over and over again how radical were the concepts of freedom that shape our Declaration. Government by consent and not by right? The responsibility of citizens to rebel when basic, God-given rights are violated? We take these ideas for granted.

Take a few minutes to read the Declaration of Independence today. Be reminded (or discover) the list of reasons why its signers sought to "dissolve the political bands" that had connected our colonies with great Britain. Be thankful for brave men who wielded an ink-dipped quill and be encouraged to do hard things when you know they are the right things to do. Most of all, be thankful for freedom as you gather with other believers without fear of government intervention.

May God bless America.