Honoring Faith and Freedom This Independence Day
Today, as fireworks light up our skies and we gather around grills and picnic tables with family and friends, we celebrate more than just a date on the calendar — we celebrate the birth of a nation founded on timeless truths and unshakable faith.
When our forefathers declared independence 249 years ago, they did so with a profound trust in God’s providence. They boldly stated in the Declaration of Independence that our rights are not granted by kings or governments, but by our Creator. This simple yet powerful truth became the foundation of a new experiment in liberty — one that has shaped the course of history ever since.
Our founding documents, our national motto “In God We Trust,” and countless inscriptions on our monuments remind us that faith has always been woven into the fabric of America. In times of peace and in moments of trial, our leaders and citizens alike have turned to God for wisdom, strength, and hope.
Today, we are blessed to enjoy freedoms that many around the world can only dream of — freedom of speech, freedom to assemble, and freedom to worship God openly without fear. These liberties were secured through the sacrifices of brave men and women who believed that our nation should remain “one nation under God.”
As we celebrate this Independence Day, let’s remember that freedom is never free. It is protected by the courage of those who serve and preserved by the prayers and actions of people who cherish it. Let’s honor their sacrifices by living lives that reflect gratitude and faith.
May we never take for granted the privilege to gather in our churches, to bow our heads in prayer, and to speak the name of Jesus freely. May we stand firm in our faith and teach our children that true freedom comes from knowing Christ, the One who sets us free indeed.
On this Fourth of July, I pray that we all take a moment to thank God for His blessings on our nation and ask Him to guide us forward — that we may always be a people who seek His truth, love our neighbors, and shine His light in the world.
Happy Independence Day. God bless you, and may God continue to bless America.
