True Independence Day! By Elaine Davenport July, 2012

The American Revolution was just as much a spiritual movement as it was political.  “One nation under God” is interwoven in the American fiber.  There are a few, that claim discontent  over some of the things that have happened over the years, but I am not one of them. In fact, I am very glad that I am here in the USA  and I love my country!  I could fill a book with the things that I did not know about The Fourth of July.  For instance, I did not know or remember that The Declaration of Independence was written before the Revolutionary War!  It was ratified in 1776. The war lasted from 1775-1783.   I did not know about so many Women and African Americans who were so deeply involved; many of them heroes in the true sense of the word.    People like Deborah Sampson who disguised herself as a man and fought on the front lines.  People like American double spy James Armistead whose information greatly shortened the war.  

  I know some people who keep a long list of everything that the Christians have done wrong.  Some of the things are  valid; but that was them  (or then)  and not me or the believers that I know.   I do not mnimize it.  God is judge.  And that is a side note for somebody.   Name a group and I suppose if they are human, they have done something that we could dialog about…or we could PRAY.  That’s my preference.    

The 4th of July is such an important date in the United States.  It represents so much.  One significant thing that we need to remember is that  people of  dissimilar backgrounds came together to fight against oppression.  I think a lot of people rightfully so focus on those who fought and died for our country so that we enjoy the freedom from foreign control and oppression.  However, another critical  part that is not nor has been pointed out in most of our education systems is the fact that it was a movement firmly rooted with a spiritual base.

As one scholar so eloquently states : 

“Religion played a major role in the American Revolution by offering a moral sanction for opposition to the British–an assurance to the average American that revolution was justified in the sight of God. As a recent scholar has observed, “by turning colonial resistance into a righteous cause, and by crying the message to all ranks in all parts of the colonies, ministers did the work of secular radicalism and did it better.”

Ministers served the American cause in many capacities during the Revolution: as military chaplains, as penmen for committees of correspondence, and as members of state legislatures, constitutional conventions and the national Congress. Some even took up arms, leading Continental troops in battle.”  (SEE MORE) 

My point…this was a  movement and it was as much spiritually based as a movement fo independence.  I think it is sad that it’s seen solely as a political movement.    A great reference worth reading is:  “Resistance To Tyranny As A Christian Duty by Jonathan Mayhem. 

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Uncle John was not significantly educated, but because he could save money, was witty , believed in a good education(ironically or as a result of his experiences from life) and  fun to be around; everybody respected him.  At one of our family reunions in the midst of a few family folk who never talk the way Uncle John was about to speak; he proudly exclaimed:   “AMERICA IS THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD AND YOU COULD NOT GIVE ME ANOTHER ONE!     The only thing that he didn’t do was break out with Jennifer Holiday‘s song:   “I’m Gonna Love You…I’m Not Leaving…” 

Let the chips fall where they may.    As I said, everybody respected him and all of us either nodded or agreed out loud.

I certainly love my country the United States Of America.    And I have heard a lot of “politically religious folk say:   “America’s gonna get it for all of the dirt that she has done!”   WHAT? 

Obviously, these people do not have an insight on the Bible; God’s living Word and the power of prayer.  If America has missed it; God has heard the cry of prayer warriors and forgiven.   You see Noah asked God about sparing Sodom and Gomorrah for righteous men.  Well he kept going down on the numbers and Sodom and Gomorrah was ultimately destroyed so there must not have been any people who  were in right standing with God.  Again here we are talking about the ability of a person who  PRAYS  and their ability to touch the heart of God.  You see prayer is talking,  being in fellowship  and communing with God.

Also,  Moses,,,interceded on behalf of the children of Israel to ask God to give them mercy when they were in the wilderness.

As my pastor always says:  “Justice is when we get what’s coming to us.  Mercy is when we don’t.”

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  GALATIANS 5: 13

A wonderful site that you will enjoy is:  WALLBUILDER’S
I believe true Independence can be assured by knowing this history and retaining these values.  Faith in Jesus Christ.  I am not kidding you!

Related articles

• Reluctant Faith! by E. Davenport June 22, 2012 (faithcenter.wordpress.com)
• Love Search! by E. Davenport June 25, 2012 (faithcenter.wordpress.com)
• Fire, Fervor and Faith! by Elaine Davenport May 19, 2012 (faithcenter.wordpress.com)
• Never Forget The Power Of Prayer! by Elaine Davenport April 30, 2012 (ephesians.wordpress.com)
• What the 4th of July Means to Me (thelabyrinthguide.wordpress.com)
• Why Won’t You Pray? by Elaine Davenport June 23, 2012 (ephesians.wordpress.com)

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