God Bless America

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” Gal. 5:1

Yes, I am among the many patriots who are going to go to Washington, DC to celebrate the weekend of festivities known as the “Semiquincentennial” or America’s 250th Anniversary on July 4th! I am super excited (and glad my husband and a few friends are accompanying me!) I live so close in Maryland that I wouldn’t miss it for the world, despite the record temps, traffic and crowds predicted. You know why? Because I love my country. I love that it was founded as “One Nation, Under God” (and I love my Christian faith). And I love being part of the action…versus sitting on the sidelines. (Yes, I’m an adventurist and thrill seeker!) But most of all, I remember as a teenager, my dad taking my family to the Bicentennial Celebration in 1976 in DC and I want to honor that memory…

Bicentennial to Semiquincentennial

I was fifteen years old when my father took my family (my mom, my younger sister and I) to Washington DC for the Bicentennial Celebration. I remember my parents friends saying maybe we were a bit crazy to fight the great crowds expected (and it was a bit crazy as we left the National Mall late the night of the Fourth of July after the fireworks with tens of thousands of other people loading onto buses…I remember seeing a few pieces of jewelry trampled under foot and staying as close as I could to my dad so I wouldn’t become separated!) But I also remember seeing the Declaration of Independence on public display for the first time in my life. I remember it more than the fireworks (and I absolutely love fireworks!) I remember the feeling I had…that I was lucky and grateful to be part of this great country, that I was proud of my dad for braving everything to take us there, and that I was part of something bigger than myself. That’s what I hope to experience again this 4th of July. A moment in time I’ll remember the rest of my life.

Faith, Freedom and Family

I am so blessed that I was raised in a family of faith. My grandmother (my dad’s mom) walked to Catholic church every single morning, rain, sleet or snow. Dad insisted we go to church (and be on time!) every Sunday, no exceptions. We made all the Sacraments. Sure, I fell away from God and the Church in my late twenties and thirties when life overwhelmed me with marriage, a new career, three children…and my alcoholism. But today the rooms of recovery and God’s purpose for me as a writer (and now movie producer) have brought me closer to Him and His promises for me than ever before. Which is why I think it’s so important to express our gratitude for this great nation under God by celebrating this milestone…no matter our political or religious affiliations, our race, our age, our creed. We were chosen by God to be Americans, or called to become Americans. If we’re not grateful for all the blessings we receive as Americans, well then…I think that’s going against God.

We the People

America is truly a land that I love. Sure, I don’t always agree with some of the politics. I didn’t think shutting down churches during Covid while bars remained open was a good thing. But overall, as long as we remain true to the documents, doctrines and laws set up by our founding fathers, (and of course amended to get rid of slavery, allow equal voting rights, etc.)…mainly, the Declaration of Independence and its promise of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” I believe as long as we keep our eyes on God and continue to do our best to carry out His Will and follow his guidance for our country, the USA will be A-OK. Sometimes that takes responsibility on each of our parts. Patriotism. Standing up for America as “We the People.” Doing what’s right and taking action such as voting on election day. And praying for our great country. Won’t you join me?

Dear Lord, thank you that you blessed me with the great opportunity and freedom to be an American. Thank you for the 250th Celebrations in Washington DC and elsewhere, please keep everyone safe, secure and in your care. And please guide us as US citizens to never fear standing up for our great nation and to do Your Will always. Amen.