The United States is over two centuries old and we've changed a lot as a country since 1776. Some things have changed for the better, like the eradication of slavery in the USA. In other ways, I'm afraid we have changed for the worse.
As a kid, I always celebrated July 4th with intense feelings in my heart of patriotism and pride in my country. There was always an adventurous feeling associated with Independence Day for me. I felt strangely connected to those men that signed the Declaration of Independence two centuries ago. I was proud of how our country had developed since then. "Land of the free and home of the brave." It was something I believed wholeheartedly.
During the fireworks, I'd imagine the battles fought so valiantly by the Americans to free their country from British rule. They weren't afraid to stand up for what they believed in and they weren't afraid to die for it either.
Since then, I've gotten older and learned more about our country. Not only about our past, but also our present. Some of what I learned made me less sure of the pride I felt in this country. Yes, evils like slavery were no more, but we had other evils now. The law in our country supports the murder of the most pure and innocent form of human life. The number of abortions per day in the United States is about 3,000. That alone made me question my feelings for my country. On a political note, the Constitution seemed to be frequently disregarded by nearly anyone in a position of power in this country. And now it seems our religious freedom is at stake in addition to our second amendment rights.
I began to question if we were where we should be as a country. The Fourth of July started to lose it's magic for me. It became a reminder of my negative feelings. I still loved this country and do still, but it became mingled with regret. I know I'm not the only one that feels this way.
This Independence Day, I spent the day with my family and friends. We went to a July 4th celebration, watched the fireworks and celebrated the birthday of this country. I was reminded of my negative feelings, but of my positive ones as well. I haven't lost my hope in what we could be. Maybe it's unrealistic to expect this country to hold up moral principles and stand up for the truth. But there are still a lot of good people here. I don't think it's right to give up hope. I'm not sure what it will take for us to change this country. I don't think it's impossible, but I think it will take a lot of prayer and a considerable amount of effort.
I always hear people saying that we're a Christian nation. Perhaps we are, but I think we've stopped acting like it. If we want our country to represent our Christian values, then we'll have to work for it. Change often doesn't come easily, and it always takes people to spark it. We should pray for our country and those in places of power and influence. And don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. That's how this country came to be, after all.