7/4/2025
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which
Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled
again with a yoke of bondage."
Galatians 5:1
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of
the Lord is, there is freedom."
2 Corinthians 3:17
"Therefore whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!"
John 8:36
Today we celebrate the Fourth of July when special television and media programs are planned in honor of the day. Generally I enjoy watching historical documentaries on the founding of our country or special tributes, but this year was a shift from my norm. Around midnight, or perhaps prior to it, the neighbors were already shooting off fireworks that lasted through the end of today, as it is now past midnight as I am writing. The very first rocket sounded like a sonic boom, shot from across the street from my house. In fact they must have purchased every loud fire cracker sold. I am thankful that with all this greenery around, there were no mishaps. I didn't really smell any grills cooking hamburgers, as charcoaled burgers are one of the special delicacies of the holiday along with home churned ice cream and icy cold watermelon. Now that I can appreciate!
It was a quiet day for me, and I found myself napping off and on during the day after another late night. It seems as if I never learn that I need to get to bed earlier. I received emails announcing special programs, but I chose to listen to quiet music and read today. It was a relaxing day, and I was able to finish my blog from the day before. I learned that I have an audience following me. That makes it worthwhile, because now I know that someone is actually reading the posts. Perhaps that will encourage me to begin the book again. I hope so, because I want to be obedient to that call.
Early this morning during the five minutes of daily prayer with Pastor Jack, he mentioned that a scripture had been engraved on the Liberty Bell that is safely housed at Liberty Hall in Pennsylvania. The scripture is from Leviticus 25:10 that reads "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all its inhabitants thereof." Isaac Norris, Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly, in 1751, chose this scripture. There is a replica of the Liberty Bell located at the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC. The context in which this scripture was written was about consecrating the fiftieth year as the year of Jubliee in Israel in which all the slaves were set free, each person returned to their own family and to their own possessions. It was a year of no sowing of crops or reaping; one would eat the produce of the field. It was a holy day. I often wonder why it is not observed in Israel today, but I do know that the Sabbatical year for land to rest, called Shmita. is observed every seven years, when the land is left to rest, to remain fallow, to replenish itself. I remember my daddy would do the same for the gardens he planted. He would leave certain areas and not plant, so the soil would replenish itself.
I read an article by Ben Carson about the Liberty Bell entitled "What You Don't Know About the Liberty Bell" written August 24, 2016 in Time Magazine. Here is an excerpt:
"After his assassination, President Lincoln’s body was laid inside Independence Hall with the Liberty Bell and its inscription placed directly overhead. Only a small fraction of those wishing to view the body were able to enter, but as many as 140,000 visitors paid their respects that day. According to reports, the line to get in was never less than three miles long.
I find it incredibly providential that Abraham Lincoln—the man who delivered freedom to the slaves—was given his final honor while lying below a bell named by abolitionists, bearing a verse that commanded the rest of us to fight for freedom.
Whether you’re black or white, Democrat or Republican, The Liberty Bell’s true story reminds Americans of all stripes that our nation’s history—and future—belongs to us all. It challenges us to tear down systems that hold us captive and honor the price great men and women have paid to cast and re-cast the American mold to form a more perfect union.
The Liberty Bell proclaims who America truly is, even when she seems to be finding her way. As Lincoln aptly stated in his Second Inaugural Address as the Civil War was drawing to a close, 'With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in… to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace…'”
Mr. Carson is correct, I didn't realize any of these facts. I was never a real history buff in school, but I did learn to appreciate it better as a college student, because I had a teacher who made it so interesting. He taught us that history was about every facet of our lives, not just about wars and revolutions, but it included literature, art, all areas of life. He had a way of making history come alive. In recent years with all the changes, not necessarily for the best, I have tried to become more enlightened as to what is actually going on in our government and world. I remember memorizing the Declaration of Independence and part of the Constitution in high school. I was always memorizing something, but certain documents were mandatory, and I'm glad that was the case. I don't think anything of governmental importance is required learning today. There is much ignorance in the world today as to the true function of our governmental branches. Life has changed so much, as have values and morals. Thankfully, that is changing now, and perhaps celebrating our nation's history will bring back the meaning it once held. I certainly hope parents will teach their children what it means to be an American citizen.
Hopefully, more immigrants seeking true refuge and a new way of life and freedom will decide to become citizens of our country now that borders are secure and safety is returning to our streets. But the price of freedom never comes without paying a high cost. In the beginning our founding fathers had to overcome much to attain liberty and establish our nation, a nation founded on godly principles and moral values. Today we are fighting a battle to restore our country to these ideals, truths based on God's word. But there are still battles to be won. Sadly antisemitism is on the rise as well as other forms of persecution and racism. But there are brave men and women who are fighting back, standing for righteousness and justice. This year may true freedom ring, and may God's blessings be upon our nation and our leaders.
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