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Has the potency of our Independence been lost behind a smoke screen of fireworks?

The significance of holidays degrade by inattention. Thanksgiving becomes gluttony day. Christmas Incarnation becomes gift-giving day. Resurrection Sunday becomes eat a chocolate bunny day. Independence Day becomes picnic and fireworks day.

Independence Day originally was more than explosive light shows. It was death-defying determination to escape totalitarian rule. In a much smaller land, and missing the millions who live here today, 4,435 died because of The Declaration. They put action to the words, “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, … 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.”

What if you could not buy products from Turkey, Germany or South Africa unless they first were shipped to England, and then were shipped to you with English taxes?

What if a British officer knocked on your door and informed you that ten soldiers would be staying at your home for a few months starting now?

What if you were not allowed to make the most basic laws governing the behavior of people in your state or community?  

What if the Crown taxed you more than they taxed the people in England and refused to listen to your many questions and petitions?

Would you patiently implore the understanding of England as did the colonies? Would you petition and implore? Would you, like the the colonist eventually say,  “Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God” and “Don’t tread on me!”

A question for us moderns is, “Would you and I have signed the document?”

Would we have laid down our lives, our bank accounts and reputations to back up our signatures?

Our behaviors as everyday patriots will show us what we would have done had we been planted in those pivotal days of history. Perhaps our days are no less momentous. 

It’s been said that “To maintain our nation’s freedom it will take the same kind of resolve that it took to form it.” Let’s be grateful for the intelligence, wisdom and determination that those before us acted on to gain us freedom. Let us somberly remember our children and grandchildren, and refresh our resolve as we celebrate our costly freedom.

John Adams wrote regarding the Declaration.

“The Second Day of July 1776, [the day Adams thought the signing and commemoration would both be on] will be the most memorable Epocha, 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 Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States.

Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”

Please do solemnize the day by setting off fireworks, clanging the kitchen pots and honking your car horn, but don’t fail to tell your children the reason for doing so!

Steven C Johnson

Landingstripenterprises.com

Note this excellent article written by Scott Williams

The cost paid by the signers of the Declaration of Independence

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I had three pairs of goggles, put one on, and left the other two at the end of my lane. After swimming about 15 minutes, I saw a boy sitting beside my goggles. He looked at me and innocently asked if he could borrow a pair. It was interesting that he asked so straightforwardly. I said, “OK,” adjusted the goggles for him and resumed swimming. The boy swam with full-length blue Jeans.

He was diving for a toy. I stopped and talked to him while he labored to tread water. His name was Cain; he was eight and lived in a group home. A handful of other boys from the home were also there. He asked if I would play with him. What innocence and frankness! We dove together for a few minutes.

As Cain was trying on the other set of goggles, he said, “Someday I hope I will have a foster family.” I was touched and felt an impression: The curse is coming off Cain.

After finishing laps, we visited in the water. Both of us linked an elbow on the side of the pool. I asked, “Cain, do you know anything about Jesus?” He gave a childlike account of Jesus’ death and resurrection. I told him that it was a powerful story, and that it was true! Feeling I might never see Cain again, I encouraged him to get to know Jesus better and better by talking to him daily: “Jesus is real and He deeply cares for you, Cain. He will help you through life.”

I was growing attached to this boy and felt like packing him home and fathering him. He said, “I sure wish I had a pair of goggles like these.” I told him, “Keep them. I give them to you.” He confided that he had had some discipline problems at the home, but he had a special class apart from the others and that he thought he was doing better. He mentioned also that there was a tiny child in his group that chattered and babbled and sounded funny. I told him that he was probably a good friend to that child.

I prayed a short but earnest prayer with that eight-year-old boy. As I was getting out of the pool, he asked, “Do you know the song ‘I See the Moon?”  He sang:

“I see the moon and the moon sees me…God bless the moon and God bless me.” As I walked away, Cain continued to sing the song to himself. I was touched with emotion for Cain’s challenges, his innocence, uncertainty and hope. May the living God follow that young man’s career!

 

NEW BOOK COMING! 

I’M THOROUGHLY PLEASED to inform you that my newest book is coming out shortly!  

It’s called, “COMPOUNDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT!”

I think you’ll like it. “In the Pool with Cain” is one of thirty edifying pieces in the book. 

Compounds of Encouragement is coming in both audio and eBook.

When Riverfront Property: Connecting the River of Life came out some of you graciously offered to be reviewers. I’m seeking reviewers again. If you’d like to have access to the book early and are willing to give a review. simply send me a note saying,

“Steve, I’d like to review Compounds of Encouragement!”

Add “In Audio” or “In ebook.”

I’ll be posting more in the next few weeks.

 

As a PS the Riverfront Property Prophetic Documentary has been on the back burner. It is a rather daunting undertaking. Hoping to get more motion on it in the fall. Thanks for those who have prayed for this!

Steven C Johnson

Landing Strip Enterprises