july 4th, part 1

today i read the declaration of independence again. hopefully you have read it at least once in your life, if not, GET ON IT. this sacred an inspired document is a symbol of faith in an unseen god and devotion to a worthy cause. it is a turning point in our nation's great history and a foundation of our freedom. it is because of this document and the men who signed their names on it we can call our selves americans.

it serves as a reminder that our rights our 'endowed by...[our]...creator' (declaration of independence, line 7) and the security of these rights are maintained by governments instituted by the people. this declaration specifically states that governmental powers are derived from the 'consent of the governed' (declaration of independence, line 10).

let us not forget the power each of us has in establishing governments. and it is our right and privilege to keep the government within their bounds. remembering, 'that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government' (declaration of independence, line 10, italics added).

what courage it must of taken to stand up to the bigger dog. what faith they had in divine providence. what passion they had for protecting their individual rights and the rights of their neighbors, family friends and strangers. the last few lines read, 'and for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.' 

they were ready and willing to give everything. are we willing to do the same?

now that i've given my little speech, i will say one last thing. that i am so grateful for each man who signed their name on that daring document. without it, i would not have my freedom of speech to write this blog or, more importantly, freedom of religion. i would be lost indeed. how grateful i am for God's grace and divine guidance.

in 1779, john newton penned the words to amazing grace. it might be my all time favorite song.

this is MoTab singing it