This month we celebrate Independence Day. As friends and families gathered recently to share in the festivities of our national freedom, did they pause to ask the question: “Are we free?”

America is thought to be the land of plenty. Perhaps those who think America is the land of plenty are correct -- plenty of poverty; plenty of despair; plenty of hopelessness; plenty of sorrow; plenty of hunger; plenty of diseased minds, bodies and souls; plenty of homelessness; plenty of apathy; plenty of distrust.

In America, this land of plenty allows some to have plenty of wealth, power and access. In America, a diverse nation that reeks of hatred and dislike only because of one’s race, gender, skin color, ethnicity and socio-economic status. America, one of the richest nations in the world, lags behind in education, health care and housing for its poor, aged and infirm.

How can we celebrate freedom in this country year after year? How can we take one day and feel content that we are free? Our communities are suffering! Our school systems are abandoning our children with the greatest needs. Our hospitals are turning away patients and/or providing minimal care. Our judiciary systems pat themselves on the back as they lock up young men and women rather than provide pathways to a better way to live.

We are not free until we examine the plight of this country and seek ways to help make it a better place. Our faith teaches us that if one hurts, we all hurt. So if injustice is visible in any aspects of our society, then we are all impacted. As you awake each and every day, reflect on what Independence Day really means and what we can do to help make it all happen. Let us pray!

Rev. Glencie S. Rhedrick
***

Oh, gracious and most wise God,

I come with humble thanks for you, who are God, the Holy of Holy. I come thanking you for reminding us that man’s freedom is not the same as the freedom you offer us. I am thankful that when you sent your Son, Jesus, into this world, he touched lives with his forgiving heart and loving arms. He opened eyes for us to see the emptiness of a Godless people. He opened eyes for us to see the work that needed to be done. He opened our minds to impart wisdom and knowledge that we are powerless to do the work alone.

Empowered with his love and by his mercy and grace we, your children, are able to stand in the gap for the suffering, the downtrodden and the hopeless. Because he has empowered us, we are able to bring joy, peace and freedom. So, God, I thank you for breaking the shackles of a life of despair! I thank you, Lord, for no matter what we go through, we can say we are free! Free, because we have a Savior named Jesus. Oh, I thank you, God, for your Son, Jesus, the Lilly in the Valley, the Bright Morning Star, the Hope and Joy for Tomorrow and Life Everlasting! Thank you for giving us an everlasting Independence Day.

It is in that Same Name, the Strong Name, the Matchless Name of Jesus, that I pray this prayer! Amen. Amen. And Amen.
 

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