This week we celebrate the Fourth of July, a day to celebrate Independence and Freedom for all people.  July 4^th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by Congress.  What an amazing event in the history of the world.  And how much has taken place since that day.  According to the US Census there was approximately 2.5 million people living in the newly established independent nation at that time.   On this July 4^th, 2013, the US Census estimates that there will be approximately 316.2 million people living in this nation.  WOW!  How much the United States of America has grown over the years.

Many of us studied the Declaration of Independence back in elementary school and high school, but how many of us have read the powerful words it states recently?  I know that I haven’t.  So I decided to read them this last week so I could remember and appreciate the words that were written and the sacrifices so many people made to get this declaration into place.  I was so touched and inspired at the words included in the document.  I wanted to share those that touched me the most:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”

It goes on to say a most powerful quote that I think every leader should hang on their wall so they never forget it:

“A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.”

WOW!  What a powerful statement that is.  And so true.  Great rulers lead their people, they don’t dictate and demand, they inspire and serve.  They are humble and kind and the love the people they lead.

The document ends with these words:

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

Those men who wrote those words lived by them, as have generations of both men and women since then.  Many people have pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor in order to protect this great land.  I love that it says “with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence”.  It was their belief and trust in God that gave them the confidence to do the right thing.  I can only imagine how scary making this declaration must have been for them and their families.  Yet they trusted in the Lord and did the right thing, fully prepared to face whatever circumstances would result.  They took courage in choosing the right and trusting in God.  I LOVE THAT!  What a great example they set for all of us to follow.

I wish all of you a wonderful Independence Day, wherever in the world you may be may you enjoy the day and appreciate the cause of freedom.  To all of those men and women who sacrifice so that others may be protected and have freedom in their lives I say “THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU!”  In addition I say, “God bless our founding fathers for the sacrifices they made.  God bless the military for the service they provide.  And God Bless The U.S.A!”

I will talk with all of you again on Friday morning after I enjoy my holiday day off with my sweet family.

Love to all,

Amy