Inspired by . . . democracy
It’s 91 degrees and the southerly breeze is mostly hot. Yet every now and then I sense a coolness in it. It is refreshing enough to convince me to linger a little longer.
It’s July 4th and, except for the wind, which blows stronger than I would like, it is a near perfect day. Big, billowy clouds fill the sky, inviting me to find the hidden images they contain.
I sit here, on my porch, laptop in lap waiting for inspiration. I want to write about patriotism, about the foundations of our country. I want to write about the sensation I feel whenever I see the American Flag or hear the Star Spangled Banner being played.
I want to write about the emotion that clogs my throat when the VFW float rolls by; filled with weathered faces whose eyes still see the ghastly images of war.
The United States of America turns 238 years old today. It’s a birthday we celebrate. The birthday of the greatest democracy this world has ever known.
It’s a day to celebrate! And so we do, and so we should.
For some reason, this 4th of July I can’t stop thinking about the gifts. The presents we bring to the celebration. No birthday is complete without presents. Over these last 238 years we, the people, have given great and sacrificial gifts to this country.
It’s been a battle from the beginning, hasn’t it? It is still a battle.
A battle fought bravely by our military in the world theatre – and a battle fought here at home by those who still believe in the words of our Constitution.
Many are weary of the battle.
Yet I can think of few in history who might have been as weary as President Abraham Lincoln was on the day he gave the Gettysburg Address.
There is much that was different about that day than this day. But two things, I believe, remain the same:
We are standing on hallowed ground – brave men, living and dead, have consecrated it by their sacrifice both here and abroad, far beyond our ability to add or detract.
We are engaged in a civil war - it may not yet be a great war, nevertheless, this country is being tested. We may never again pick up arms against it each other, but make no mistake, these united states are becoming more divided every day.
kk_simplicity
Lincoln understood the bigger picture – he knew what was at stake if this nation did not endure.
The same thing is still at stake today.
Democracy.
We should resolve, as our forefathers did, that our dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this earth.
Wishing you and your family
a safe and inspiring
4th of July weekend!
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
thanks for this piece this evening, June. yes, I get choked up at these parades, too. we have a rich heritage, but it has come at a huge cost. oh ... to be more grateful, and not just on the holidays.
ReplyDeleteblessings, friend.
Beautifully said and photographed. The military and the eagle drew my heart in along with your words.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by my place.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
A beautiful post honoring our country's freedom. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! And I love the pic's! <3
ReplyDeleteAwesome post, June. I too see this country as you do; a miracle clearly sent and provided by the hand of God. It is my opinion that since Lincoln learned to read, like many of our greatest leaders, from the Bible, he knew how the tribes of Israel were separated by their own doing and for that reason, and the providence of God, they were overtaken. The term, "United we stand, divided we fall," means so much more than a spoiled generation can grasp. I'm praying this nation and a revival...
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, June! Happy 4th!!
ReplyDeleteMay God Bless America!
Thank you so much for joining our little family at Recommendation Saturday!! <3 Heart Hugs, Shelly
I just popped by to say g'day via Elizabeth's link up. It is so wonderful to see such amazing patriotism. We aren't like that here in Australia-you are very blessed indeed!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a lovely week,
Natasha in Oz
As usual you've put so much in your post, my dear June, thank you for making of this moment a precious moment .. always !
ReplyDeleteI hope you've had a blessed 4th and in the hope that your Sunday is also far too lovely I'm sending much love <3
Hugs
xo
Dany
Beautifully written. You no doubt became inspired as you began to write. So much truth here. I hope you had a wonderful 4th!!
ReplyDeleteFor outsiders, that means for non-US citizens, your (American) attitude and especially your "handling" (I'm not sure if this is the right term) with democracy and its exhibition irritates many people - even settled European democrats!
ReplyDeleteWe in Germany currently experience the other, the negative side of the American understanding of democracy - spying out of partners, no flinching from illegal measures, no consideration for other partners concerns.
Then watching your photos and reading about proud, patriotism, sensation, battle and brave leaves really a sour taste in me.
All I can see: the term "democracy" is really worn thin and many people worldwide have a much different understanding of this word.
Don't get me wrong: but posting such a text in combination with your pictures might give raise to doubts, and I'm really a friend of Americans and American way of life. I just spent two wonderful hours togehter with several great American colleagues!
No idea what fears or concerns might raise in people with a much different cultural background!
I just can hope we are able to learn much more from each other in future and especially learn to respect different (friendly) attitudes!
Uwe.
I so agree with you, June! (And great photos,too!)
ReplyDeleteWonderful and inspiring message, June. We have a tendency here to take for granted our hard-won freedoms. And, we don't realize enough the importance of being a nation UNDER GOD.
ReplyDeleteFor it is only in Him that we can experience true freedom, and the kind of freedom that can change a country.
GOD BLESS!