My Country, 'Tis of Thee

I love America.

From the time I was six years old, my heart has swelled with gratitude every time I placed my hand over my heart and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America..."

Back then, I didn't fully understand words like allegiance, republic, or indivisible. But I knew they meant something bigger than me.

Our first grade teacher, Miss Steinbergen, taught us more than reading and arithmetic. She taught us gratitude. She helped us understand that freedom is a precious gift -- one purchased through the courage and sacrifice of countless men and women who believed future generations were worth fighting for.

As I grew older, I learned that America isn't perfect. No nation is. Yet I remain deeply thankful to live in a country where we can worship freely, speak openly, vote according to our convictions, serve our neighbors, and work together to build stronger communities.

Those freedoms are blessings.
They are also responsibilities.

This month, as we celebrate America's 250th birthday, may we never take them for granted. Let us honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, encourage those who continue to wear our nation's uniform, and remember that freedom must be cherished by every generation.

As a Christian, I celebrate two great freedoms.
One was secured by brave Americans who defended our nation.
The other was secured forever by Jesus Christ, who gave His life on the cross so that we could know forgiveness, hope, and eternal life.

Jesus said, "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36)

I will continue to pray for America. I will continue to vote, serve, encourage, and love my neighbors. And I will continue to sing with gratitude:

"God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her through the night with a light from above."

May God continue to bless this land of liberty, and may each of us do our part to leave it stronger, kinder, and more faithful for the generations yet to come.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." — Psalm 33:12