Celebrating our Freedom

Silence hung in the air around us. Except for the clicking of heels on the pavement, total reverence penetrated the still, hot air at Arlington Cemetery in Washington D.C. Our family of four had joined other spectators to view the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The year was 1987. We were on a trip celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary and Valerie and Sandra’s high school graduations.

I glanced across the massive manicured lawns with its hundreds and hundreds of tombstones. Tears threatened my eyes as I reflected on the many wives, children and other family members left alone while their loved ones died for our freedom. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for our military families, our free country and for my husband who had been one of the blessed ones to return from Viet Nam.

Today is July 4th. I was reading an article this morning about the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. These men paid a big price for our freedom. Five of them were captured and tortured, twelve had their home ransacked and burned, nine died in the Revolutionary War. Others had to run for their lives, their wives and children were hurt. They lost their possessions and wealth. They had to sell their businesses and homes to pay off their many debts. These men gave so much for our freedom. Freedom is never free.

My mind goes to another man who gave his all for our freedom. He gave His life on a cross so we could be released from our sins. The Bible says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.” (John 8:36 NLB)

We are blessed to live in America where we can celebrate Independence Day with our family and friends, as well as openly worship the one who truly sets us free. We have a beautiful warm day to enjoy ice cold watermelon, hearty laughter from family stories, or a sweaty game of ultimate Frisbee. Yes, we have the privilege of living our life however we choose. But to have true happiness in our freedom we must live according to the Word: “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil: live as servants of God.” I Peter 2:16