233 years ago, on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress, voted to approve the “Declaration of Independence; declaring the 13 original colonies separation from Great Britain. Those Patriots were willing to take a stand against what they and others considered Parliament’s encroachments on colonial rights – the original idea in 1774 was to attempt to define America’s rights, place limits on Parliaments’ power and a few other things. Actually, to gain a better understanding of what was taking place and to make more sense out of what’s happening in 2009, I would encourage you to visit www.history.com click on Topics and then click on Fourth of July under Holidays. It will be well worth the time it takes to read about ‘how and why’ the United States of America actually started. And for those with school age children, reviewing a little history will provide wonderful opportunities for discussion and teaching some very valuable lessons.

For now I’d like us to ponder the following:

From John Adams to his wife Abigail “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” [ref. Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1776, Adams Family Papers. Massachusetts Historical Society. Wikipedia]

While John Adams did include events that seem to have taken priority in our day of celebrating ‘Independence Day’ – we as a Nation and peoples have drifted from his first acknowledgment, God Almighty. As parents, it is our responsibility to make sure our children have an understanding of our past and to see how important it is that we keep our focus on the only One Who is the source of true freedom. Also, to see what happens to a Nation when as a people, they begin to ignore the truth God has left us in His Word. Yes, we have the nation of Israel, but that was such a long time ago and so far away – in sharing the history of their country, we can help them see that the results are always the same for people who chose to ignore God. And we can help them see that God always has a ‘remnant’ that He uses to make sure His truth is proclaimed. Your family is part of that remnant to serve as Ambassador’s for His Kingdom.

Another site worth visiting is www.heritage.org, using the ‘search’ to find The Founder’s Almanac and then “A note on the signers of the Declaration of Independence… “…. we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” Well you can find it :-) or for that child who enjoys ‘searching’ the Internet, this could be a fun family event for him or her.

While these thoughts are geared to the U.S. holiday, I know that each country represented through the Growing Families ministry has it’s own story and history to pass on for parents to pass on to their children and we all have God’s truth to share.

Blessings as you continue the journey of life,
Anne Marie