Happy Birthday USA! Freedom: Born of Sacrifice
“Set Free for Freedom” (Gal. 5:1a).
America celebrated its birthday yesterday. So, let’s think back on our roots. Rebelling against “taxation without representation,” caused tension to mount between the colonists and the British. On December 16, 1773, Americans blatantly expressed their grievance in a bold protest by off-loading a boat laden with tea into Boston Harbor. To this day we know it as the Boston Tea Party.
The British did not willingly yield to the protest. Instead, they brought troops to our land in an effort to clamp down and maintain their rule.
A year and a half later, March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry stirred the colonists to stand up for their freedom. His famous words reverberate throughout our history: “Give me liberty or give me death.”
Sixteen months later, on July 4, 1776, 248 years ago, The United States declared its independence, freedom from British rule. The Declaration fomented a bloody war. Many lives were sacrificed in the struggle. Much blood drenched our streets and pasture lands.
As the battle for freedom raged on, Henry and his compatriots rallied to the cause of freedom. They put everything on the line—their fortunes, their reputations, even their lives—to secure the freedom we enjoy today.
The colonists were so focused and determined that, even though they were outmanned in many ways, their sacrifice secured freedom for all who live on these shores. They declared their independence in a document that grips the heart even today for its fierce passion for and belief in the God-given rights of all men to live free.
For seven hard years the Americans fought, until on September 3, 1783, the British surrendered. The Americans won their freedom, but it cost dearly. Our national anthem praises their heroism: “The land of the free and the home of the brave.” We celebrated their sacrifice yesterday.
You can take this freedom for granted, but you’ll be better served to allow yourself to feel and express gratitude for it. Don’t be like the old pioneer. He’d been a Christian for a few years when he declared, “Hallelujah, now I know salvation is free. I’ve been a Christian for five years and it’s only cost me a quarter!”
This I know with certainty: If you acknowledge your freedom and allow yourself to live gratefully, your life will be saturated with joy. You will exude it. People will flourish around you. Be grateful, always.
Isn’t it great to live in this great nation?
Rod MacArthur
206.949.0325
rod_macarthur@comcast.net