God Bless America
Ten days ago we celebrated The Fourth of July. I love the Fourth of July because I am, at the core, a sentimental patriot. I find it hard to hold back a tear when I hear our national anthem, and I still get goosebumps when I see Old Glory unfurled in the wind. This year, as I celebrated, I took some time to ponder the day’s significance, and in this article I want to share some of those ponderings with you.
The Fourth of July holiday is one of my favorites because, despite our national diversity, most Americans find a way to put aside their partisan spirits and to celebrate a nation we all hold so dear. I especially enjoy Fourth of July fireworks shows. For me, the crowd at a community fireworks show represents a microcosm of our entire nation. The young and the old are seated together. The wealthy are seated with the poor. Catholics and Baptists rub shoulders with Muslims, Jews, and with those who profess no religion at all. All races and creeds come together, not to debate their differences, but to celebrate those things we hold in common. Yes, all in all, the day brings out the best in our nation’s citizenry.
On the Fourth of July I thank God for my blessings. I thank God for the many who placed themselves in harm’s way to procure, protect and preserve our freedoms. And while, too often, we take those freedoms for granted, the Fourth of July helps us remember just how much we are blessed.
Seldom does the Fourth of July go by without someone singing, “God, Bless America.” It’s a national favorite, and rightly so. But sometimes when I hear the song, I’m reminded of the words of an old, country preacher. With all the emotion he could muster, he shouted, “We love to sing ‘God Bless America,’ but ain’t God already done that? Maybe it’s time we should start singin’ ‘America Bless God.’” He certainly made his point. God has blessed America, and we who are blessed are called to be a blessing.
When I compare our blessings with those in other lands I think about those with water they cannot drink; those with thoughts they cannot think; those with tyrants, hostile kings, who silence freedom’s song to sing. I think about those who cannot leave their land, or without penalty take a stand to voice some thought or word or plan that does not fit their despot’s hand. I think about countries where hunger is the way of life; where years of war and years of strife have beaten down their hopes and dreams and left peace ragged at the seams. Yes, at times, when I sing God Bless America, I feel a little guilty. God has already blessed us with much more than we deserve, so perhaps it is time for America to bless God.
Jesus said, “To whom much is given, much is required.” I believe that maxim is true, not only for individuals, but for nations, too. God has, indeed, blessed America; and while it is right and proper to celebrate that blessing, we must remember that the blessing has not been given for us to hoard. It’s been given for us to share.
God bless America. And yes, America bless God.
