God Bless the USA Video
I was reminded yesterday of what it is that makes America great. Matt showed me this youtube video yesterday of an arrangement of God Bless the USA. It was amazing and brought tears to my eyes. Our family gathered on the couch to watch it on the tv. Even the kids sat quietly as we watched it. It was such a good reminder for me. Our nation has been so divided, and it’s easy to focus on that.
Remembering What We’re Celebrating
This weekend is a good time to remember just what it is we are celebrating. We celebrate our freedom as a country, as the United States of America. People say that they’re ashamed to be an American. That shouldn’t be. We get so focused on the negative that we forget to look for God’s blessings. God has blessed this country. We have so many freedoms that other countries don’t have. If we focus on all the negative, we will fail to see God’s goodness and blessing.
When we do that, Satan has us right where he wants us. Satan wants us divided. If we can fight with each other, treat people unfairly, and forget to love those around us, then Satan can waltz his way in and destroy our homes, our schools, our churches, and ultimately our nation.
What Makes America Great
Let’s remember what makes America great- its people. All of us together is what makes America great.
A Nation’s Strength
William Ralph Emerson
What makes a nation’s pillars high
And its foundations strong?
What makes it mighty to defy
The foes that round it throng?
It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand
Go down in battle shock;
Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,
Not on abiding rock.
Is it the sword? Ask the red dust
Of empires passed away;
The blood has turned their stones to rust,
Their glory to decay.
And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown
Has seemed to nations sweet;
But God has struck its luster down
In ashes at his feet.
Not gold but only men can make
A people great and strong;
Men who for truth and honor’s sake
Stand fast and suffer long.
Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly…
They build a nation’s pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.
Celebrating Each Other
So when we gather this weekend with friends and family to celebrate, let’s not forget to thank God for the freedoms He’s given is. Let’s not forget to say a prayer of protection around our armed forces. Let’s spend a few minutes being thankful for the men and women who have given their lives for our great country. But most of all, let’s choose to celebrate each other. We are the strongest when we come together. Let’s celebrate our family, friends, neighbors, church family… the people we do life with.
For more encouragement on this topic, check out my post- Love Is Still the Answer.
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