“Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private virtue, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics.”
— John Adams
What words are even adequate to describe the love, gratitude, and patriotism I feel for a nation that I was blessed to begin my existence in?
The land of my birth. Sweet land of liberty.
As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I’ve been pondering what freedom really means.
Freedom is never free, there is always a cost that must be paid.
A cost to obtain it.
A cost to lose it.
A cost to keep it
The Free carry an immense responsibility to maintain the values, principles, and boundaries required to stay free. That cost has a face, and this weekend I saw it.
I went with my family to go see the new film, Young Washington, that came out this weekend. I sat in my seat, at its edge, the whole time.
It was a powerful reminder that one of our Founding Fathers and the first President of the United States, George Washington, was a man formed and forged through fire. Despite his flaws, he humbled himself to recognize God’s hand of protection and guidance on his life. It’s true that you are indestructible until you’ve accomplished the purpose God has given you.
From failed battles and losing friends to senseless death to charging through a field of flying bullets unscathed, unharmed, Washington’s bravery, courage, and virtue led through many more battles to win the ultimate war that gave us our great nation of freedom. The United States of America.
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
— John Adams, letter to the Massachusetts Militia (October 11, 1798)
I’ve never been more proud to be an American than I am today.
So today as we celebrate and honor this one great nation under God, I’m reminded of the profound responsibility every citizen carries — to ensure that she continues in the principles and values upon which she was founded: Virtue, Freedom, Courage, Faith in Almighty God.
I’m off to immerse myself in the birthday festivities, which won’t be complete without fireworks, ice cream, and a cold glass of champagne!
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
God bless America!
“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.”
— Benjamin Franklin
This Weekend
If your city or town is putting on a birthday bash with fireworks, take the whole family and go celebrate (safely, of course)!
Put the phone down, power off the computer, be present with the goodness of this weekend.
Oh and don’t forget the ice cream. ☺️
I thought I would share a few of my favorite things that I’ve been loving:
Read: Eric Metaxas, one of my favorite contemporary authors (his prose is unlike any modern writer today — incredible) just came out with a brand new book that I cannot wait to read. It’s called Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World.
Listen: I LOVED this rendition of America the Beautiful. It’s sung by a sweet young girl with an incredible voice and her father. Gave me chills. Beautiful, indeed.
Watch: Go see Young Washington. It will inspire you and encourage you. You can find showtimes near wherever you are here.
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