"Happy Birthday, U.S.A.!"

I’ve previously stated in this blog that my dad liked to share the origins of holidays.  While the beginnings of today’s holiday may not necessarily be new content for some, I thought a refresher was in order.  I found a document that Dad had in his belongings called “Happy Birthday, U.S.A.! – History of the 4th of July.”  This is how it reads:

“Most Americans are very aware of just how precious our freedoms are.  To help us remember what freedom means, we can look at the history of Independence Day – the day that commemorates our nation’s freedom from England’s control.

In the 1770’s, the original 13 colonies were still under the rule of England’s King George III.  They had to pay taxes to England but didn’t have any representation in Parliament.

For three years, the American Congress sought unsuccessfully to resolve the dispute between England and the colonies.  Finally, in 1776, the Second Continental Congress appointed a committee, headed by Thomas Jefferson, to draft a Declaration of Independence.  On July 4, 1776, Congress officially adopted the document declaring their freedom from England.  And although the signing of the Declaration was not complete until August, the Fourth of July has been accepted as the official anniversary of American independence.  By the early 1800’s a tradition of parades, picnics and fireworks was established as the way to celebrate America’s birthday.” Happy Birthday to you, America!

As I prepared this blog, there was a line from a Rebecca St. James song that would not escape my mind.  The line is from her song called “America”; the lyric is a haunting challenge: “Honor God, America.”  

What is a practical example of doing this?  There are dozens and dozens that could be listed, but look no further than the message on our currency; it reads, “In God we trust”.  But the maxim for far too many today seems to actually be “In me I trust.”  Many are pushing God away, not trusting Him.  We would much rather rely on our own ingenuity, resources, understanding, and strength.  “Honor God, America,” sings Rebecca St. James.  How are we – how am I – doing with that challenge?

Kevin