July 4th, 2011

Independence Day

                Independence Day; one of the few holidays in the United States that seems to unify Americans. It’s the day or weekend where we celebrate when our independence as a new country became unquestionable, at least in that time. Fireworks, family picnics and Barbequing are traditions that are as deeply rooted in American identity and psyche as Christmas itself. Great memories follow us our entire life that are made on Fourth of July holiday picnics capped by dazzling displays of fireworks, charred side streets, and a burnt fingertip or two. Year after year, on and on, down through the generations – it’s tradition. It’s arguably the one tradition that most Americans will vehemently defend across political lines. To find the Fourth of July offensive is to be offended by the very core identity – the very heart and foundation of all things American; in a word, freedom.

                I’d like to humbly suggest there is one tradition that is even deeper than the Fourth of July. It’s what led up to the Fourth of July. It’s what, according to Ben Franklin, gave our fledgling country victory in battle (against Great Britain) that is at the heart of this holiday. In that speech, Benjamin Franklin scolds the Constitutional Convention for having dropped the daily practice of prayer as the Constitution was being debated. Prayer on the part of our national leadership is rooted deeper than the Fourth of July! This assertion will, no doubt, be met with fierce objection. However, it is difficult to deny when a founding Father that was not a Christian was the one to scold the framers of our Constitution for not praying, and request the practice of daily prayer be reinstated. His conviction was so deep, he even asked, “…is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?” (Franklin identifies God as the person, “his”)

                Whatever your personal religious beliefs or politics, it’s hard to ignore that prayer is probably the one national tradition that is deeper that the fourth. Whatever your belief, have a great holiday. And for me and the Rose City family; we say, may God truly bless America!

Posted: 11 months ago