Our Dependence on Independence Day (repost)

[Here is a reposting of my post from July 4th 2007. (With current pictures.)]



A divinely organized miracle took place 231 years ago which has made one of the most extensive and enduring impacts on the world in its whole history of existence. On July 4th 1776, the Congress of the United States of America declared its independence from Britain and a new country was born--founded with the philosophy that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." (Declaration of Independence)




Through the last 232 years our freedoms have been gratefully treasured, painfully challenged and, especially at times of greatest prosperity, taken for granted. Our ability to do what we choose in this country is dependent on upholding the principles established on that first Independence Day.



At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the unified goal was set and the commitment was made to establish a land of freedom: "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." (Declaration of Independence) At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, these hopeful leaders suddenly became enemies to the most powerful nation in the world. They gave their all, figuratively and literally to stand firm in their commitment to the success of this new country. God helped them prevail. Through costly growing pains, threats on its existence, and even dents by its own people over the last 231 years, this nation presses forward under the same principles on which it was founded.



As a result we are free! The government was established--the checks, balances, and protections were set in place to allow us the freedom and accountability to choose for ourselves. We may choose to live free or we may choose to live in self-inflicted bondage. The only thing we don't choose is the consequence of our actions. Freedom is so risky for the individual--to have no scape goat for our actions. However, freedom to choose for ourselves is so valuable its benefits out-weigh any risk.



With respect for God and these men who sacrificed everything to give freedom to those who live in this great nation 231 years later, I hope I will never take for granted the freedom I have. I pray that I will make personal decisions that will keep me free on the everyday battle field of choices.


[Photo Details: The above photos are from this year's Astoria, Oregon 4th of July fireworks show. Our family drove across the river to the Dismal Nitch rest area to watch them. Sadly, due to a shaky tripod only a few of the picture actually turned out, but I was pleased at the general outcome of my first attempt to photograph fireworks with a new digital SLR. Starting with a tip from an online resource, these photos ended up being taken with an apeture of 16, a shutter speed of 2 seconds, film speed (ISO) of 800. They were shot with a Nikon D40, 6.1 megapixels; 200mm zoom from about 4 miles across the Columbia River. I did crop the pictures to isolate the fireworks from the 'empty' space, but I did not do any other manipulation of the photos. Certainly not professional, but my personal best so far. :-) ]