Independence Day

On the eve of our nation's birthday, I find myself reflecting on the meaning of Independence Day. It's been my experience that 90% of Americans don't even use the term "Independence Day" anymore. '4th of July' and 'the 4th' are more common terms. Which reminds me of another holiday that has many names - Christmas. 'XMas', 'Holiday', among others. Odd, isn't it? The occasions behind the two holidays which are the result of the greatest sacrifices have also become the most overshadowed in today's world....all in the name of freedom. The exact reason for these holidays has been essentially omitted from the name of the holiday. Bit of an oxymoron if you ask me.

Follow me, for a minute. 2000 years ago, a child was born. I'm no religions expert or history buff, so I won't pretend to know all the facts (who does, anyway). Somewhere along the way, December 25th was deemed "Christmas", to celebrate the birth of Christ - who made the ultimate sacrifice for every human soul who believed in Him. He took our sin on his shoulders and then hung on the cross, and in return, we sin and sin and sin some more. And as if to add insult to injury - we reduced the celebration of his birth to family gatherings, political wars, a platform for "equal rights"...the list goes on.

The equal rights platform brings us to Independence Day. WAY back in the 1700's, a group of men took a stance, fought a war and gained control of our country from England...all based on values, principles and commandments set forth by Jesus. Though celebrated nearly 6 months apart, these two days are tied together in so many ways. We gained our freedom as a result of biblical principles, yet today's society tries to use that freedom to suppress those principles In reality, one cannot exist without another. Can they?

Even today, as THOUSANDS, let me say that again cuz I really think some people just don't get it, THOUSANDS of soldiers are still fighting overseas to protect our freedom and to liberate other countries as we were liberated in the 1700s, the war at home wages on. It saddens me to think about the homecoming that lies ahead for these soldiers. Every soldier in this war is someones child. Sacrificing their life for a freedom that is slowly slipping away. Here are a few definitions of freedom as cited on dictionary.com:

• exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.
• the power to determine action without restraint.
• political or national Independence.

Everyday, it seems, there is another story in the news about two groups bickering over their rights being violated by the other. It is my prayer that our soldiers do not come home, only to end up questioning what it was they were fighting for.

As you gather with friends and family to celebrate Independence Day, I urge you to take time to reflect on the reason for the fireworks, food, fun and fellowship you are enjoying. Your personal freedom from your sins is the result of the events that took place in the life of a 33 year old young man. Our national freedom is the result of events that have taken place over the course of several wars, hundreds of years and thousands of lives lost. We have doctor appreciation week, administrative assistants week, you name it, and there is a week for it...yet our two most valuable privileges are reduced to a single day each year.

Would you join me in trying to celebrate every day that we are allowed to live with our precious freedoms? God gave us the gift of each new day....our soldiers continue to give us the freedom to live those days as we choose.

Once again...from my favorite Army Wife of my favorite Soldier - always remember to never forget.

I am a child of God and an American citizen and will do my best to live every day never taking either of those blessings for granted.

God Bless America.

Thanks for reading.

CeeKay