Happy Birthday, UNITED States of America!

As I started typing this blog, UNITED, stood out like a neon sign to me. Frankly, it presented me with a conundrum. I thought, what in the world is UNITED about America during these times? What happened to “one nation, under God, INDIVISIBLE with liberty and justice for all?”

I am proud to be a patriot! My American flag has hung on my home since the beginning of the pandemic. I take pride in our flag waving in the wind in declaration of our freedoms, but my ulterior motive during these days was for healing of our country. "I'm proud to be an American and, at least I know I am free!" Thanks, Lee Greenwood, for those great lyrics. "Our flag still stands for FREEDOM. God bless the USA!"

No matter the struggles in our country, I still contend for the freedom from God's Word: “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13). The last phrase in that verse keeps repeating in my mind and heart: “Use your freedom to serve one another in love.” That is key to who we are and hope always to be – people of service in love for each other. When we get that right – everything will get right.

Thank God, for the freedoms we have in America. Freedom of speech. Freedom to worship. Freedom to do what we believe leads to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” And those freedoms weren’t won in a lottery. They were bought with the blood of our military. And the freedom the Apostle Paul spoke of was bought with the blood of our Savior.

“Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:1-4)

That’s what true freedom looks like. We won’t find it in a snarky news commentary or in the rant of a politician or religious leader tearing others to shreds. It won’t be at the table with gossip. The truth is -- when we stop loving, we give up our freedom. We become entangled in our own words and hatred until we can’t breathe or see. May we be pace-setters, peace-and-love-makers, freedom fighters in prayer and in example of humility – serving each other in love.

Yes, July 4th is a time to celebrate an important event in history. But let’s also think about what real freedom means for us right here, right now. We don’t need to win the lottery to send out a little more love into the world or have faith like fireworks lighting up the dark. I’m sending up fireworks of God’s love to you, my beloved friends and family! Let freedom ring!

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!