I enjoyed U.S. History more than most students around me, but in the years that have passed, I’ve forgotten more names and dates than I remember. Our history is complicated and imperfect. There are facets I don’t fully understand.
But I do understand the heart of the man who wanted more for his children than he had for himself.
I sense his desperation. I feel his determination.
I respect his resolve – crossing an ocean, leaving everything behind that had been – carrying nothing with him but his hope and his will.
If I’m quiet and still, I can imagine what it might have been like for the early settlers to carve a road where there was nothing – exploring completely uncharted territories, in search of a new and better life, a place to belong.
And setting their sights, slowly and painfully, they began to build. A barn. A cabin. A church with a steeple. A community of workers. A little town. A government. A country.
A Home.
Hard as I try, I can’t imagine what it must have cost. But having paid that unimaginable price, I can understand why they’d risk their lives again to protect what they’d built.
In my mind, I hear their cry for freedom, along with each generation that has followed – so that life, and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness can be enjoyed by all people…including me.
It makes me want to say “Thank you”. I wish I could find a way to somehow reach back in time and say the words.
To anyone who has paid a price for the freedom I enjoy,
To anyone who has fought a fight on my behalf,
Thank you.
Thank you for clearing a path for me to follow after.
Thank you for sacrificing much, so I wouldn’t do without.
Thank you for acting boldly and with great courage,
Even in the face of fear,
Even though it cost you everything.
The life I live is built squarely on your shoulders.
Over 200 years have passed and we find ourselves standing where generations before us once stood. Dreaming of days to come, building the future by our words and deeds, creating what will someday be.
May we live up to the example of those who’ve come before us.
May we continue to cry out for freedom and sacrifice to protect it.
May America continue to be The Home Of The Brave.
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Awesome thank you! Me too!
Geezz…..I’m still working on homework from your last post !!! Ugh…vulnerabilities!!! “Our weakness is by design.” This I am still learning. I love knowing about or being in a process and I really love all the doing. People will always need people, so it can’t be all that bad being a better helper than a receiver. Anywho, I just loved how this post added such great depth to just how intertwined we are….
I remember when I saw the Liberty Bell for the first time. Before hand of course I dove into learning as much as could about its history. And maybe there are just times when we feel a deep connection to something or someone…but I had this sweet, quiet enjoyment going on in my own thoughts knowing I was in the company of these great souls….and I’m pretty sure if I was to try and explain it to someone they would have just looked at me like I had five heads or something!! Maybe I reflect on things too much or maybe some just don’t reflect on things enough.. but one thing is, it sure helped me embrace that formal public statement of facts… as valid.
“Home of the brave.” Yes !! humankind, all embracing as one!
Beautifully said and felt as always Chance!! Thank you!!!
Thank you, Dee. Always an encouragement. Always.
Amen, Amen! Our country is far from perfect, but no place I’d rather be. And it wouldn’t hurt all of us (especially those in political power) to revisit the Declaration of Independence and read with fresh eyes. Our forefathers had guts, wisdom and the faith to take a stand. Amazing that the Declaration of Independence stands true to form today.
I agree, Holli. Here’s a link for anyone who wants to check it out.
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
I appreciate you Chance. Great stuff always. You appear to be exactly the kind of man those who sacrificed anticipated would follow.
Blessings
Why thank you, Sherman. Very kind of you to say.
Another great post, Chance! Thanks for being such an inspiration.
Thank you, Caryn. I appreciate the encouragement. Really kind of you.
Amen! I pray we keep up the good fight for freedom, this glorious experiment in government is kind of wobbly at the moment….
I think our bravery is the key…”for the people, by the people”.
Well said!