Sunday Inspirations July 4, 2010

I simply couldn't pass up the opportunity to share with you my love for this incredible country. It's true we're in a state of turmoil right now, but it certainly doesn't stop the majority of us from remembering upon what this nation was founded, and who's heavenly guidance helped to make it a refuge for many who have been downtrodden.

There will always be those who will take advantage of the system, and others who think they know a better way, but God's way will always triumph and will happen in His own timing.

At the end of our meeting in church today we all stood to sing the Star-Spangled Banner. More than one eye misted over as the import of the words struck us anew. I'd like to share those words with you now.

Oh say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through thru the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines on the stream;
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh, thus be it ever when free men shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust!"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Independence Day is not about fun fireworks and picnics and sparklers. It is about the battles we have and will continue to fight to ensure this land remains sacred ground for those who would live the life of the free. It is most assuredly the home of the brave.

Happy 4th of July everyone!