Freedom

     As we celebrate the Fourth of July let us remember those who have fought and who still fight to protect our freedom and to thank them for their sacrifices. How many times have we celebrated this holiday and forgotten who gave the biggest sacrifice for our freedom so we can live an eternal life with Him in Heaven?

     One of my favorite songs sung in Church around the  Fourth of July is "America the Beautiful" by Katharine Lee Bates. How wonderful to sing of God's beautiful world that He provided for us:

O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

The beautiful colors and landscapes are nothing compared to the beauty of Heaven.

     Got not only "shed his grace on America" but on us by giving His only Son who died on the Cross for my sins and yours! I have difficulty even trying to comprehend it all. The sacrifice that God gave to save us from our sins is even greater than the heroes who have died for our country:

O beautiful for heroes proved

In liberating strife.

Who more than self their country loved

And mercy more than life!

God loves us more than we can even imagine and because of that love he gave us His son to die on the Cross for our freedom, our Salvation.

     What sacrifices are we willing to make to help a stranger or someone we know? Are you up to the challenge to lay down your life for what you believe in? Let us show our grace this holiday to our fellow man as God does with us:

God shed his grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

     Have a Safe and Blessed Fourth of July!

Elaine Campbell, MA

Counselor