The American Evolution

Two hundred and thirty eight years ago a group of men declared a new nation to be independent. I try to imagine what it must have been like for these men to take this stance at at time when freedom was a still a commodity to be cherished. Two centuries later freedom is too often presumed to be unceasing, blemishing the value of this equity. These men we once called "Founding Fathers" were people of great character. It was in this character that their hope for the future was rooted. They were courageous men, men of dreams, men of faith and family men. They knew that to surrender to the tyrannical government from which they had taken flight was cowardice. Surrender would demolish dreams, cause faith to falter and dismantle families. Oh, what it must have been like to be with this group of men in the sitting room as strategies were discussed, consequences considered and hopes abounded.

Today, July 4, 2014, freedom still stands because of men like these who sat behind closed doors in collective thought and prayer. But so much has changed, evolved if you will.

Family, fireworks and frankfurters are the order for today. Little thought will be given to freedom or the cost to preserve it. We will dream of the perfect rib eye or potato salad without much effort expended on thoughts of the future for this great land. Common faith is no longer common; we are now taught to have faith in faith and to each his own.

Families are fractured. Scattered by design, the family structure has evolved and continues to do so at a rapid and unhealthy pace. I fear that the day will come when like individual faith we will have but individual families. Children calling out to their father, "Wow!" as the scan the heavens for colorful fireworks will be just an echo of the past.

This American Evolution is applauded by many and feared by few. Today tell your children the story of America before it is faded beyond recognition, beyond memory.

Today my own family is scattered. It saddens me greatly not to be with those that are miles away or just a few blocks down the street. Yet I will thank God for what He has provided, for without that I would be alone. And on this Independence Day not a single soul should be left alone.

Happy 4th of July to you, my friends and family.