When I Think Of America

When I think of America, I am proud of the country I call home.  You could say I feel patriotic.  I appreciate our many freedoms in this nation, our beautiful lands, and our diverse and interesting people.  I’ve traveled to many other countries, and while I value them all as well, there is always something special about being home in America that makes my heart swell with pride and my face smile with appreciation and joy.

In particular, I appreciate the many Americans who came before me and made monumental and selfless sacrifices so that I may now enjoy my life here in this wonderful country.  I consider their many sacrifices in starting churches and helpful organizations, such as Christian schools, hospitals, and benevolent groups that provide many resources for our needy citizens.  I am especially thankful for those who have shared their faith with me and with others to keep us united as “one nation under God.”

There are so many freedoms for us to enjoy in America: freedom of speech, freedom of religion and press, freedom to assemble, etc.  These freedoms are precious for all Americans, and they are especially essential for believers.  This July 4th, as we conclude the first decade of the twenty-first century, we must continue to share our faith, serve others, and serve our country as never before.  We are facing grave challenges to our freedoms, especially our freedom to share our Biblical faith without fear of reprisal.

I ask that you join me in praying diligently for our country.  Although today we face economic problems, ideological controversies, and trouble of every kind, we still retain our fundamental freedoms, and we must not let them erode.  Wonderful, selfless people have sacrificed much for us to live here in freedom.  We must be willing to sacrifice as well in order to pass on this great heritage of freedom to our children and grandchildren.

When I think of America, I think again of all those who sacrificed to maintain our freedoms, especially our freedom to worship and to share our faith with others, and I am grateful.  I pray that our children and grandchildren will have reason to feel the same way about our generation in future years.