Happy BD America, Happy 4th of July aka Independence Day!

Democracy and freedom were born 246 years ago, July 4th, 1776 — freedoms we so often take for granted. No wonder so many mistreated, disenfranchised people want to leave their oppressed and war-torn homelands to come to the “land of the free and the home of the brave”.

We are still in Cabo and at this location, because there are 45 Americans here on-site, they are setting up a July 4th celebration for us tonight. Good food, fireworks, family fun, and music – those things that are symbolic of this freedom birthday! As beautiful as this place is.....look a little further, and it could never compare to what is afforded us in our LAND!

I have fond childhood memories when my dad would take us to the Cotton Bowl July 4th celebrations in Dallas. They put on a spectacular fireworks’ show. We also had wonderful family reunions at the lake that concluded with a slew of fireworks, along with the “chasers” that chased my mama down the street! She nearly broke her neck running like a wild woman!

Back in those days, I don’t remember giving too much thought to what the meaning of July 4th was. But the more July 4ths that I experience, the more I recognize what freedom means to me, especially when I consider the many places in our tumultuous world where people crave our freedoms.

My gratitude increases for this “UNITED” States of America and our brave and courageous men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and for those who serve us today in those countries and defend us here.

As chaotic and divided our Country seems to be at times, we still have a tremendous amount of freedom in America. Freedom of speech. Freedom to worship. Freedom to do what we believe leads to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” While I appreciate the freedoms that July 4th represents, the Apostle Paul speaks of a FREEDOM that amplifies all those freedoms if we would simply take this freedom to heart and practice it daily.

Galatians 5:13 says: “For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong but use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Those words “use your FREEDOM to serve one another in love” was bought with the blood of our Savior. Love is the answer to everything.

On this July 4th, we should embrace LOVE -- that highest freedom. If we would campaign for that freedom, then not only would our hearts for humanity grow stronger, but it would show the world what true freedom looks like.

We won’t find that love in the rant of a hateful, bitter, and angry spokesperson, be it a religious, political, celebrity or man-on-the-street that is tearing others to shreds. It won’t be found at the table with gossip and backbiting.

The irony is: when we aren’t loving, we give up our freedom. We become entangled in our own words and actions and then hatred overtakes love. When LOVE is the deciding factor in every debate, every conversation, every daily routine and practice, the outcome will be FREEDOM.

Yes, July 4th is a time to celebrate a significant event in our American history. But let us also think about what real freedom means for us right here, right now. If we would use our freedoms to send out a little more love and faith, then our world would light up like fireworks that light up the dark…..everywhere!

Let FREEDOM ring!