INDEPENDENCE DAY 2020 – CELEBRATE ALL THAT IS GOOD

On July 4^th, we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the document that marked the emergence of the United States as an independent, self-governing nation, guided by the principle of liberty.

We remember the men who signed the declaration, but we should also remember those men and women who also played an important  part in our history, like the Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat, who came to America’s aid and fought valiantly beside George Washington to win our independence. Lafayette was an American hero who was outspoken with his most-cherished American friends — including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson — in his belief that slavery was an abomination and should be abolished.

 It’s important to remember that the freedom we value today was earned by the bravery of many men and women putting their lives, reputation and personal property at risk, to collectively affirm:  

         

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
        
            In 1776, as copies of the Declaration spread through the states and were read aloud at town meetings, religious services and public assemblies, Americans marked the occasion with celebratory rituals. They lit huge bonfires, "illuminated" their windows with candles, fired guns, rang bells, removed the symbols of the monarchy from public buildings, churches and taverns, and decorated the walls of their homes with newspaper copies of the Declaration of Independence.
       
            This year, in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, our celebration will require us stay socially distant, to use masks, to gather in safe, small groups, and even quarantine ourselves if necessary.  All actions that are meant to protect our friends and family and yes, strangers, to stop the spread of this unseen enemy.  So even though we will celebrate in a different way this year, let us toast to our country’s independence and teach our children the reason for the celebration and the responsibility we have more than ever to be our brother’s keeper. 

May God Bless America. May God Bless us all.

IN MEMORIAM

CHRISTOPHER WYATT DRUM

                                              May 25,                                                           July 2, 

                                                1972                                                               2014 

A PRAYER FOR THIS FATHER'S DAY*

Heavenly Father, we ask You to bless our earthly fathers for the many times they reflected the love, strength, wisdom, and mercy that You exemplify in Your relationship with us.

We honor our fathers for putting our needs above their own convenience and comfort; for teaching us to show courage and determination in the face of adversity; for modeling the qualities that would turn us into responsible, principled caring adults.

For those fathers who did not live up to these ideals, give them the grace to acknowledge and learn from their mistakes.  Give us the grace to forgive them like You forgive us.

For fathers who have lost a child through death, console them, give them hope and support from their family and friends.

Help new and future fathers raise their children grounded in a love for God and other people. Remind these fathers that loving and treating their spouses with dignity, compassion, and respect is one of the greatest gifts they can give their children.

We pray that our fathers who have passed into the next life have been welcomed into Your loving embrace, and that our family will one day be reunited in your heavenly kingdom. Amen.

*Source: Three Minutes a Day, The Christophers, Volume 48.