What’s up family?

I hope everybody had an enjoyable Fourth of July. It was a pretty chill one for me. I went to my employer’s father’s house for a cookout then I went home. There were some interesting news stories like the one about the 15-second firework spectacular in San Diego. Then there was the tragic story from New York; my prayers go out to the families of the children that died. This has been a wild week with weather…severe storms, extreme heat, coupled with power outages… This will be a 4th to remember. But knowing me, I like to take a historical spin on things…

I was telling a friend, it’s interesting that we celebrate the Nation’s independence on July 4th when Congress actually voted to part ways with Great Britain two days prior…Interestingly enough, the Declaration, although dated July 4th, wasn’t even signed until August 2nd.

It’s widely known that (Future) President John Adams thought that the United States of America would celebrate Its independence on July 2 based on this letter he wrote his wife, Abagail, on July 3, 1776:

“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

So effectively, we celebrate the the Nation’s independence on the 4th because that’s what’s written on the document; not because that’s when it actually took place…and that is so “American.”

What do I mean? I didn’t learn these truths in elementary school nor in my high school VA/US History class. We are force fed a history and told that that is the case whether it is actually right or wrong. America has a very “because we say so” attitude. It’s not a criticism, just an observation. I’ve said all of that to say, I was reading the Virginian-Pilot this morning and I came across two very interesting articles. One I will respond to later on… I have to gather some facts. But the other article was written by Mr. Lenoard Pitts. It was so good, I had to e-mail him and tell him myself…

He opened with the following question: “Can you say why America is the greatest country in the world?”

Oftentimes, we skim over the details and come up with our reasons through various methods…indoctrination, propaganda…my momma told me…but when we size up the facts against our claim, it really makes you wonder… Last night, I stumped my youth Bible Study class by asking them a simple question… “Who are you?”  No… I didn’t ask your name. No… I didn’t ask your race and nationality. No… I didn’t ask you any of that. It’s a deep question, think about it… (As for me, the answer is found in 1 Peter 2:6-10…)

Well, I don’t want to belabor the point, but I highly encourage you to his column…it’s thoughtfully provocative. It would put a dimmer on your sparklers and hot dogs if you’d rather see through the eyes of supposition, opposed to truthful facts.

Deep… Here’s a link to the article. After you read it, tell me what you think about it.

 

Familuv,

TWJ the HNIC,
John 3:30