By Chap. Lt. Col. Larry M. Kirk, USAF (Ret)
Independence Day is that day of celebration on which I hang my heart. My heart rejoices that while our country wasn’t founded as a Christian nation, our forefathers did instill Godly values into our document — The Declaration of Independence.
Our forefathers rejected the idea of a state-run church in favor of freedom of religion for all. Our government cannot dictate how or when we worship. Our founding fathers recognized God established the government; the government did not establish God. This government assures us that we are free to live where we please, move about as we desire and vote as we want, without government infringement.
Larry Kirk
Our freedom was bought with a huge price. While we appropriately recognize and celebrate our military family on Veteran’s Day, I cannot celebrate July 4th, without pausing to ask God’s blessings on those families whose sons and daughters have given their “all” that this Nation become independent and remain so. I also pause to pray for those military personnel deployed far away from family during this time. I am reminded to pray for their safety. Death is no respecter of a road-side bombing or a terrorist plot.
My heart pauses this season to thank our Heavenly Father for His guiding hand in the past and fervently pray that He will secure our future. I am reminded to pray for our National leaders that they will embrace Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord.” May they understand this is not a religious slogan; it is a righteous promise.
God Bless America! B&R — Kirk is a retired pastor and former member of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board staff.
