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Happy Independence Day, America!
I was talking with friends the other day and reflecting on how removed we really are, here in the 21st century, from the British-ruling days of the early colonies, that fueled the American revolution and our ultimate independence, into what we celebrate today as "The 4th of July". We wear red-white-and-blue, have parades, BBQ, light fireworks, and wave our star-spangled banners on this great celebration day of independence. But we who were born free can't begin to understand the deep significance of experiencing freedom and independence, like someone who has lived in bondage and then is set free. We are spoiled, my friends, and we take our freedom in this country for granted -- we can't really help it. It's the nature of privilege.
America is a country of many immigrants from all over the world -- we are a global melting pot. It hurts me to hear people criticizing immigrants for being in the U.S., as if the critics have sole rights to this land! All I can say is, they need to look at their own family tree, 'cause unless they are pure blood Native American Indian, they're just as much an immigrant as people today coming from Russia, Asia or Central America! 99% of us have no sole proprietorship here. Where is our grace? Where is our understanding? They're lost in privilege.
We can't understand what it's like to live under a hostile, dictatorial government. We can't relate to abject poverty and rampant disease. We are unacquainted with generation after generation of hopelessness in bondage to tyranny and oppression. People in other countries are seeking relief and freedom, and they come to America. Can you really blame them? Can you blame your own ancestors for coming to America? Where would you be today, if Lady Liberty had said your immigrating family was not welcome?
I was talking with friends the other day and reflecting on how removed we really are, here in the 21st century, from the British-ruling days of the early colonies, that fueled the American revolution and our ultimate independence, into what we celebrate today as "The 4th of July". We wear red-white-and-blue, have parades, BBQ, light fireworks, and wave our star-spangled banners on this great celebration day of independence. But we who were born free can't begin to understand the deep significance of experiencing freedom and independence, like someone who has lived in bondage and then is set free. We are spoiled, my friends, and we take our freedom in this country for granted -- we can't really help it. It's the nature of privilege.
America is a country of many immigrants from all over the world -- we are a global melting pot. It hurts me to hear people criticizing immigrants for being in the U.S., as if the critics have sole rights to this land! All I can say is, they need to look at their own family tree, 'cause unless they are pure blood Native American Indian, they're just as much an immigrant as people today coming from Russia, Asia or Central America! 99% of us have no sole proprietorship here. Where is our grace? Where is our understanding? They're lost in privilege.
We can't understand what it's like to live under a hostile, dictatorial government. We can't relate to abject poverty and rampant disease. We are unacquainted with generation after generation of hopelessness in bondage to tyranny and oppression. People in other countries are seeking relief and freedom, and they come to America. Can you really blame them? Can you blame your own ancestors for coming to America? Where would you be today, if Lady Liberty had said your immigrating family was not welcome?
The New Colossus
by Emma Lazarus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Today's psalm speaks of King Solomon...a good king, who loved his people, and did right by them. But as I read the 72nd Psalm, I can't help but see Jesus, too. His heart goes out to the oppressed and needy, those yearning to be free. Not just spiritually oppressed, but those in bondage and need in the physical realm, also.
For Christians in America, we have freedom on both levels --give God all praise and glory for that! But never let it be said that Christ followers become selfish with either freedom -- none of us deserve the blessings we have as American citizens and God's Kingdom citizens. Let us fall on our heart's knees in gratitude to God for the grace and mercy He has given us, and let us open our hearts and hands to all who desire freedom -- on this land, and in eternity.
Let freedom ring...!
by Emma Lazarus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Today's psalm speaks of King Solomon...a good king, who loved his people, and did right by them. But as I read the 72nd Psalm, I can't help but see Jesus, too. His heart goes out to the oppressed and needy, those yearning to be free. Not just spiritually oppressed, but those in bondage and need in the physical realm, also.
For Christians in America, we have freedom on both levels --give God all praise and glory for that! But never let it be said that Christ followers become selfish with either freedom -- none of us deserve the blessings we have as American citizens and God's Kingdom citizens. Let us fall on our heart's knees in gratitude to God for the grace and mercy He has given us, and let us open our hearts and hands to all who desire freedom -- on this land, and in eternity.
Let freedom ring...!
Love,
Joelene
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