We just celebrated another Fourth of July and I wonder if people really understand how lucky we are. I have been watching a TV drama series called TURN which is based on a book. I  have done some research and there really was a spy ring and the events in the series are based on facts. The patriots struggled and suffered to gain our independence so we could have the freedom we have today. It was a violent war and our soldiers did not have the resources the British had, but they were fighting for freedom. I am grateful our founding fathers had to courage to stand up for the freedom we take for granted.

Recently there have been many programs on the radio talking about some of the gentleman that helped write the Declaration of Independence. We only know a few of them and neglect some key figures. That document was written by many men who had a deep faith and believed in the acceptance of differing religious beliefs.

Today our country seems to be shifting away from the freedoms fought for those many years ago. Sometimes it feels like being a Christian is not something valued anymore. My rights as a Christian are challenged daily. TV programming today lack controls on what they show. Flipping through the channels I have a hard time finding something to watch. The family channels aren’t what I consider suitable for children. Violence, language and lifestyle choices reveal a world that young children shouldn’t constantly see.

Even our churches fight over differing views. Though the fighting is not physical, it can be hurtful. Leaders in churches have their own share of moral decay. I have seen many blogs tearing down other Christian leaders and I wonder how this all started. The time spent on telling what Christian leaders are false teachers is alarming. What can be achieved by that? Have we lost our moral compass?

There is a hurting world in our own backyards. I wish more people would come together to help those in need, forgetting our differences. Families are in crisis. Children are hungry. Cities have so much violence and racial tension. Did you know 7% of our population have some kind of substance abuse problem? Young people are committing suicides daily. This is alarming.

Let’s go back to those values that countless Americans fought for and even lost their lives over. We still have many dedicated servicemen today defending our freedom. We are still a great country worth fighting for so our children have a future and an abundant life.

America needs to make a u-turn and fight for families and values. Our independence didn’t mean freedom from God. Our founding fathers knew that. Look around our capital and our money. The words “in God we trust” were put there for a reason. Just listen to his voice because we need his help to do this. He will lead you to agencies needing assistance. If everyone volunteered in some area change will come.

Lastly, we need to continue to pray for this great country. The Bible does say if humble ourselves, change our ways, seek him and pray he will forgive and heal this land. There is even an app for your phone called If 7:14 which will remind you to pray for our country each day. Other countries are doing this, too. I want a great future for my grand kids. Let’s all step up in some way.