Happy Birthday America

This morning we had our church's annual patriotic Sunday service. One of the things we do that chokes me up every year is that we sing a medley of the armed forces anthems. When we sing each one, the men and women in the congregation who served in that branch stand up. There is always huge applause for each group. It was great to be up singing and see my dad stand when we sang "Anchor's Aweigh" but the one who really choked me up was the three old marines who presented the colors during the Marine Hymn. They all served in WWII. After we finished singing we all said the Pledge of Allegiance together and the oldest marine had to lift and hold his salute by supporting his right arm with his left - but he stood there ramrod straight and held that salute through the Pledge and through the National Anthem.

Even though there are many who malign our country, and we are by no means perfect - we are free and I thank God for that freedom. I thank God for men and women who have served, are serving and will serve in defense of our nation. I thank God that in His great mercy and grace I am American, a South Carolinian and most of all a saved believer in Jesus Christ - because all the freedom in the world wouldn't mean a thing if my spirit were still in bondage.

In John chapter 8, vs 34 - 36 Jesus said: "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Thanks be to God - I am free - free indeed.

special prayers and thanks for my best friend's husband and the 2BDE 101st Airborne, Ft. Campbell, KY currently serving in Iraq - I was thinking of you when I was singing the Caisson Song this morning.