Happy July 4th – Let Freedom Ring!

At church on Sunday, the congregation was invited to share with someone what the best thing about July 4th is to them. I thought “That’s a no-brainer! It's remembering that we live in this marvelous country with so many freedoms that were paid for by those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us.” And, that’s what I shared with the gal next to me AFTER she shared that “sparklers” were her favorite thing about July 4th. 🎉🇺🇲️🎉

Of course, July 4th represents cookouts, fun with family and friends, and fireworks -- either man-handling them ourselves or sitting back in our lawn chair, relaxing as we watch the red, white and blue bursts of fire and lights! I have such fond childhood memories when my dad would take us to the Cotton Bowl July 4th celebrations here in Dallas. They put on a spectacular fireworks' show. And, 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 tumultuous times that others in so many places in our world are living in. 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. In the words of President Ronald Reagan, I say, "This is the birthday of the greatest nation on earth.”

Democracy and freedom were born 242 years ago, July 4th, 1776 -- freedoms that we so often take for granted. We have a lot 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, St. 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 “ 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.

Maybe, on this July 4th, we should embrace that highest freedom: LOVE. Just maybe campaigning for THAT freedom would not only make our hearts for humanity 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’s 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!

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day!
I live in a 55+ community of 2,000+ homes, and this Memorial Day, I am recognizing incredible patriotism as American flags are lining the main roadways and nearly every home has a flag in their yard or on their home. I'm quite sure many of those who live in this community are veterans and/or they have family members who are serving our country today. There are not enough words of gratitude to express to those who have gone before us and to all of you serving today, who have been willing to sacrifice your life for our freedoms.

There was a news story on NBC in which some high school students (as it happened, they were all African Americans with a patriotic teacher), rode a bus to put flowers on the grave sites of fallen soldiers. An elderly Korean War vet and his wife watched from a distance, then approached the kids. He tearfully thanked them for their gesture and shared a bit of his story. The students (boys and girls) were soon in tears, too. His service and that of all who had been laid to rest around them became very real. That story should make us all think about the men and women who fought for the freedoms we enjoy every day. At this moment, none of us should take their sacrifice for granted.

Our gratitude seems insignificant in comparison to their storming the beaches of Normandy and Iwo Jima, freezing in Korea, wading through rice paddies of Vietnam, braving the heat of Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq. What if we intentionally showed our appreciation to our military heroes? Here's some ways we can:

1. Fly Old Glory (there's one on my home)! Fly the flag in your yard, or display it in a prominent place where passersby can easily notice it. If veterans driving by your residence see the stars and stripes proudly waving in the breeze, they will be reminded of the patriotism that citizens harbor in their heart.

2. Say “Thank You” -- If you personally know any veterans and want to make their day, call them on the phone and thank them for their service to our country. If you see a soldier in uniform, thank him/her. Pay for their meal. This simple action on your part will be long remembered, and hearing and seeing your appreciation can make all their sacrifices seem worthwhile.

3. Write a Letter to a Soldier -- Any letter a soldier receives from their homeland is precious to them. There are wonderful organizations that help with that endeavor. The whole family could get involved.

4. Help the Family of a Serviceperson -- The family of a serviceperson is often overlooked, but their loved one’s active duty in the military involves plenty of sacrifices on their part, too. Help them by offering to do yard work or make home repairs or give them a restaurant gift certificate.

5. Pray -- We can petition God for the safety of our military who are in harm’s way, along with asking Him to comfort the families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

6. Donate to Charities That Help Veterans -- We can make a monetary contribution to one of the charities that help veterans and their families.

Throughout his eight years in the Oval Office, President Ronald Reagan brought a renewed sense of optimism to a weary nation disillusioned by war and scandal. He repeatedly described America as the “shining city upon a hill.” Were it not for the work of our veterans down through history, America wouldn’t shine as brightly or perhaps would have ceased to shine at all. Because of them, the glow of democracy still beams out for all the world to see.

On this Memorial Day, may we put aside all the petty things we complain about, and sincerely be a people who humble ourselves and pray and offer thanksgiving to God Almighty for our great country and for those who served and continue to serve us so unselfishly! God bless America! And, God bless our service men and women from yesterday, today and tomorrow!

Happy Birthday, America!

Day 181 of Photo Inspirations -- Happy Birthday, America!
Today is the day we celebrate “life – liberty – the pursuit of happiness” and in so doing,  we get to FREELY gather together with friends for a barbeque, shoot off some fireworks and even, if you’re close to a Fireworks Show, you’ll probably even catch some spectacular sights and sounds.
 
This photo is my photo inspiration for today.  This precious little angel girl is the granddaughter of dear friends and I think it says it all – with childlike faith and respect…… “I’m proud to be an American”.

There’s a special kind of nostalgia about the 4th of July.  As a child raised in Dallas, our annual 4th of July tradition was to go to the Cotton Bowl at the State Fair Grounds and we’d watch an unparalleled display of the most incredible fireworks show EVER.  After that, we’d head just far enough into the country to shoot off a few bottle rockets and sparklers to continue celebrating this special day.
 
Honestly, back in those days, I don’t remember giving too much thought to what the meaning of July 4th was.  But the older we get and the more honed in we are about the tumultuous times that others in foreign countries are living in, the more gratitude we have to live here.  Knowing that our brave and courageous men and women who serve us in those countries and defend us here, the more precious this day becomes.  This day, July 4th, is the birthday of our nation.  And, with President Ronald Reagan, I say, “It’s the birthday of the greatest nation on earth.”

I read that John Adams, himself a signer of the Declaration, thought that Americans should celebrate a “great anniversary festival” to commemorate our nation’s freedom on July 4th.  In a letter to his wife Abigail he wrote, “It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.”

So, really, what does this day mean to you and me?   Shouldn’t it still be about being “one nation under God”, about giving thanks to God Almighty for this day of deliverance?  Surely this weekend is a time for all of us to really cherish that original dream, the one for which so many have died and so many continue to serve us with honor, courage and dedication.

With Lee Greenwood, I’m singing:   I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today. ‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land.   God bless the U.S.A.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

It Made a Difference to That One!

Oftentimes, we tend to focus on what's wrong with others or what's wrong in our nation or what's wrong in our places of business. Isn't it time we do a self analysis about how we can be the influencer for CHANGE that impacts our world?

Sure there are the obvious world changers like Jesus Christ, Martin Luther King, President Ronald Reagan, Mother Teresa ...but what about the Mom & Dad who influence their kids for greatness, the volunteers at charitable organizations who daily touch people's lives, the grandparent who never ceases to pray for their family, and those who are willing to be the difference maker in someone who needs that extra word of encouragement and hope -- to not give up....TODAY?

One of the sweet ladies who attends my Life Group, was on her way to our meeting last week, but first stopped at the service station. As she went in, she saw a dissheveled young man sitting on the curb. She came out, and he was still there, and she passed him by. Almost to my house, she couldn't get that young man off her mind -- and had to turn around. She got to him and handed him all the cash she had with her, and said, "God bless you" and his reply, "No, God BLESS YOU!"

Seems like a tall order to be a world changer....but when we consider the effect we can make on one person's life, we can sure be their WORLD changer! We're counting on that act of kindness, by my friend -- to be the world CHANGER that young man needed. It's like the story of the old man throwing starfish back into the sea, and when asked "Old man, don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it! You can’t possibly save them all, you can’t even save one-tenth of them. In fact, even if you work all day, your efforts won’t make any difference at all.” The old man listened calmly and then bent down to pick up another starfish and threw it into the sea. “It made a difference to that one.”