Anyone who studies the founders of our great country can't help but conclude they were great men of God. At a minimum they had righteous, social consciences. In many of their quotes they warn that turning from the precepts of God will result in the ruination of any country. We need not look further than our own cities to see this is true.
In spite of all that, I am an extreme optimist when it comes to patriotism. I am easily moved to tears by the thoughts of the thousands dead fighting for our freedom--and the freedom of other oppressed people groups. The vast majority of these individuals willingly give their lives for their country, for our country.
Nathan Hale put it this way: "I regret that I have but only life to give to my country."
I'm sure many of our brave dead would have said the same thing. I know Steve would say that. For him to give his life for his country would have been a great honor. He told me so the month before he went to Iraq.
I know I've posted this one before but it continues to be so fitting as many Americans choose comfort and socialist tendencies over the tough stuff that breeds liberty and freedom:
"If we restrict liberty to attain security we will lose them both. Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a littlel security will deserve neither and lose both. He who gives up freedom for safety deserve neither." ~ Benjamin Franklin
God help us!
All this reminds me of another who willingly gave his life for the freedom of all who come to him in repentance and forgiveness. While I reflect on the great freedoms I enjoy every day (usually without really thinking about them), I am reminded that true freedom comes only through Christ. It is the freedom granted even in countries without the freedoms I am blessed to have.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand fir, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. ~ Galatians 5:1"...He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners..." ~ Isaiah 61:1
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