The USA and my birthday: 4th of July

Reflections on innocence and wisdom

Today, July 4th, is my birthday. Just like my nation; time, testing and the battles of life have dimmed, somewhat, that youthful glow of naiveté and inexperience.

Like the flag we still fly, the storms of life have weathered the edges and brought some tares on the fabric of a soul and body which once seemed invincible.

Yet — as in my Faith — the flag of my Salvation and Redemption still stands.

The emblem still waves. The roots are good, because they are rooted on a rock, not sinking sand.

A foundation built on the right stuff will survive, even in this last battle for her soul. I have faith she’ll survive.

America must fulfill her destiny. Too much blood was spilt for it not too.

As the widow of an honorable Gulf War veteran, the daughter of a WW11 veteran, and the daughter-in-law of holocaust survivors who loved the flag that welcomed them in, someone paid a price for our freedom.

But the highest price paid for me was paid at Calvary. I must continue and finish my race.

Like the original ragtag Continental Army — there may be just a few left — a remnant standing — when all is said and done — but courage and steadfastness is eternal.

Cowardice decays a nation as root-rot decays plants, trees and living things. Character and noble pursuits carry an eternal honor, apathy and selfishness and lack of love for country and humanity is a byword.

Disloyalty and treason in a nation will soon snuff out even the memory of them who abhor all that is good and virtuous.

Like the Republic, I am under God’s Wings of Protection, and like the USS Independence, I still float in His Harbor of Safety, knowing that true faith will out-sail even death.

Virtues go with the gallant into eternity, as an emblem.

So — Happy Birthday to America. Happy Birthday to me.

LORD God — I plead with Thee — despite her wandering ways — please bless the land that I love, once more. She will die if you leave her. Hold tightly to her arm. Never let go.

And so, this 68 year old widow, today, is now going to take her wheelbarrow out back to finish some yard work and sweat in the good dirt of the earth.

My sore knees will tell me when they have had it; and I will get in the shade, drink some ice tea, and thank God — I grew up when I did.

I still remember when the good was celebrated. Men were glad to be men. Children were protected, schools taught real history, and military schools churned out the Gen Patton’s of her generation.

Nothing seemed impossible. With each pull on the rake and plant I weed today, I will send up a tear on a prayer for America.

Then I will sit in the shade of my Cypress Myrtle with a cool ice-tea, and mutter to myself… oh what will become of you, my land of the free and the home of the brave.

“For dominion belongs to the Lord, and He rules over the nations.” Psalm 22:28

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The Declaration of Independence

Let’s remember the last few lines from our brilliant Founding Document, The Declaration of Independence…….

“We, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our Intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly Publish and Declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political Connection between them and the State of Great-Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. 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.”
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Signed by Order and in Behalf of the Congress,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.

Postscript: This version is the first printing of the Declaration of Independence, printed by John Dunlap on the night of July 4, 1776.

 

~ Elizabeth Cassutto

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Rev. Elizabeth Cassutto
Lightbeacon Ministries, Millsboro, Delaware.

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