The Beautiful

Today is a wonderful day to celebrate and remember all that has happened in this country, the United States of America. There are certainly many things to be proud of as we look back at the history of this place we call home. But this day is also a day to look to the future. What would we like to change about our country? What could be different? How are we going to change those things?

Many countries look to America as a strong nation to set a good example in leadership and kindness. Does this country fill those expectations? Is America truly concerned with the issues going on in other places in the world? Today, 16,000 children will die in the world simply because they do not have enough food. How often do we see that on the news?

I will be the first to admit that there are so many times when I don't want to focus on issues such as these. After all, what can I really do? But God has called each and every one of us to look out for one another, whether in America or in Malawi. So God answers that question of doubt by saying that He can perform miracles through us if we would only allow Him to do it.

Our founding fathers of this country had an amazing amount of faith in our Lord and they expressed it openly. Here are some of the things they said:

~ "While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian." -George Washington

~ "Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshiped." -Benjamin Franklin

~ "As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of morals and his religion, as he left them to us, is the best the world ever saw, or is likely to see." -Benjamin Franklin

They founded this country with the intentions that it be a community who strives to serve God in every situation. These men knew that that is how a country becomes great and looked up to; not for the deeds that are done, but for the glory that is given to God! Is our country striving to give God all the glory? Are we performing deeds that would give God glory?

Today is a day that we can look to the future and decide what we want to change about this country, our home. For, if we don't change what isn't right, who will?