Happy Independence Day!

This afternoon, while putting a pony tail in Sarah's hair, she delightedly said, "Happy Fourth of July, Mama!" How nice! I then asked her if she knew what the purpose of this day was. Quietly, she said, "nope!" It occurred to me, that while she knew of this day, I'd been too lax in teaching her about the significance of this incredible day we celebrate . . . the birth of America! In thinking more about it, I realized that I think we all take for granted what privileges we have living in America and the freedom that has come at monumental cost to human life. While I'm not thrilled at all with the way this country has been heading of recent, I firmly believe I am blessed to be a citizen of the United States of America. And, I am forever grateful to those who have gone before me in sacrifice to make our nation what it is today.

All that said, there remains one issue in relation to our freedom that is suffering the most. That is the void of God being the Lord of our nation. Too freely we toss God's name about . . . is there really trust, is there really desire, is there really hope that He'll lead this country? Or is it just "the thing to say"? God has been removed from so many parts of life in this country today. It shouldn't be any wonder why we, as a nation, are suffering. We have stepped away from God's way, from His best.

As I challenge myself to better equip my children with understanding that this is not just another day off for Daddy, but a day to stop and honor what has been done to give us freedom, may I challenge you to do the same. This nation was founded on scriptural truths and principles . . . a basis necessary for success. Let's not remove God from our functioning, but place Him back where He belongs!