The Hope of Liberty

America’s birthday is only a couple of days away. Its centuries-old experiment in liberty is celebrated with fireworks bursting in the sky and flags snapping in the wind. Our thoughts reflect for a moment or two as the national anthem vibrates in our ears. This is as John Adams predicted.

Mr. Adams wrote to his beloved Abigail after the grueling debate ceased and independence from Britain was proclaimed by pen on paper.

It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.

You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration and support and defend these states. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means.

The men who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor looked forward with hope in spite of the odds. Excitement mingled with dread by the risk. Patriot farmers faced an immense military power comprised of dearly loved family. Years of turmoil discussing government and liberty culminated in a single piece of paper. The authors appealed to one who rules above nations and declared,

We hold these truths to be self-evident, 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.

Those words are worth commemorating. The idea that man is valuable and his life does not belong to the state transformed government. No longer did the state derive its power through force stealing from its citizens. A new form of government based on consent took its first bold steps.

Those footsteps continued the path of liberty. As the intrinsic value of the individual spreads throughout nations, we continue see individuals rise up in their chains. Can they be set free? Liberty cannot be placed on another person. It is first internal.

It begins with freedom from guilt that cripples the heart. It continues in freedom from lies spoken by generations. It thrives in freedom of owning a clean conscience. It triumphs in freedom to love another person enough to die for them. The price is costly, but worth all the means.

Continue learning, leading, and loving. The results may not be seen immediately, but God is still Providence. He begins in the secret places of the heart, so look for the rays of light. They are there clinging like dew to the hope of the nations.

A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope. Mathew 12: 20-21

Renae teaches her ten-year-old son and two little girls at home. She has prepared lesson plans, enjoyed children’s literature, and delighted in discovery with her children for five years. By studying Principle Approach philosophy, she realized what she always suspected: the Bible lies at the heart of all subjects. Find her reflections at Life Nurturing Education.

Tags: Encouragement, Family Life, homeschool life

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