In candor, I have a quirky nature. One of those quirks – something that just rubs me wrong – is when someone wishes me a happy 4th of July. Yes, the date is commemorative. But we don’t run around wishing one another a Happy 25th of December, or, on December 9th (the date of my birth) people do not wish me a Happy 9th of December. No, we wish one another a Merry Christmas and people kindly wish me, “Happy Birthday.”
So please stop wishing me a happy calendar date. The 4th of July commemorates the day this nation declared it’s independence from tyrannical rule by the king of England. We celebrate independence. Our forefathers dreamt of and risked hangings for independence. Brave men and women put on a uniform and serve, fight, and even die in the defense of our independence.
What sets our nation apart in this world is the fact that it was found not out of geographic convenience or the ethnic similarity or its people, we were found on a set of agreed upon ideals including rule of law, the power and freedom of the individual, and liberty and justice for all. So, with due respect, stop wishing me a happy calendar date. Please recognize the divinely inspired blessing our nation is and kindly wish one another a Happy Independence Day.
Independence Day isn’t just another holiday; it’s the day we commemorate the birth of a nation blessed by divine providence itself. It’s a sacred reminder of the courage, faith, and unwavering dedication of our founding fathers, who in their wisdom, built this great constitutional republic on the enduring principles of liberty and righteousness.
On July 4, 1776, the seeds of liberty and justice were sown. The Declaration of Independence, with its profound assertion that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights, wasn’t just a political statement; it was a bold proclamation of faith. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and their fellow patriots understood that the path they were choosing was perilous, but they trusted in divine providence to guide them. George Washington himself, in his famous address to the Continental Congress, declared, “the hand of providence has been so conspicuous in all this” and urged his fellow countrymen to look to divine guidance in their endeavors.
The framers of our Constitution were men of profound faith. They believed that the moral principles found in the Bible were indispensable to the governance of a free people. John Adams wrote, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” These words remind us that our freedoms and liberties are intrinsically tied to our faith and moral integrity—values that remain relevant, but regrettably not as prevalent, today.
As we raise our flags and light up the skies with fireworks, we must also honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve this great nation. From the soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War to those who defend our freedoms today, their sacrifices are the bedrock upon which our independence stands. Each veteran, each fallen hero, embodies the spirit of patriotism and service that defines America. We owe them our deepest gratitude and respect.
In the uncertainty of today, we can draw inspiration from the wisdom of our founders. Benjamin Franklin once said, “A republic if you can keep it.” These words are a call to action for every American to actively participate in preserving the liberties fought for more than two centuries ago. It’s a reminder that our republic requires vigilance, faith, and a commitment to the principles of freedom and justice.
Patriotism today is about more than just waving flags or singing the national anthem; it’s about living the values that our founders held dear. It’s about being actively involved in our communities, standing up for what is right, and working together to build a better and stronger nation. It is about being present and participatory in that which makes us unique – self governance. U.S. citizen is not just a designation that unfortunately many take for granted, it’s a job description – one that you must work diligently to fulfill.
This Independence Day, as we gather with family and friends, have fun! I believe our founders would have wanted a big party on – yes – the 4th of July. But please remember what that date commemorates. Please take a moment to reflect on the divine providence that guided our founders, the biblical principles that underpinned their vision, and the sacrifices made by countless men and women to secure our freedom.
Let’s recommit ourselves to the ideals of liberty, justice, and faith that have defined America since its inception. And let’s remember that preserving our republic is a collective responsibility—a sacred trust handed down from the brave souls who dared to dream of a free and just nation.
May God continue to bless America, and may we always strive to be worthy of the freedoms we cherish. From the James family to you – Happy Independence Day!
