4th of July

Hello Friends,

Happy 4th of July!  It's a toned down celebration in our part of Arkansas this year, but I can hear some fireworks going off.  The basset hound seems to be oblivious.  He wanted an evening walk, but it's raining.  Maybe that will usher in a little cool breeze.

I've been writing a monthly prayer for my church e-news this summer, so here's the one for July:

Gracious God, You have blessed our lives by providing us the many opportunities of a free, democratic country as our home.  We lift our voices in thanksgiving as we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.  Bind in our hearts the central tenet of this document: "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Give us wisdom and courage to live these truths, and to help assure that all in our country enjoy the dignity of these basic rights. We pray for those whose lives are constrained by oppressive regimes throughout the world.  Help us to learn through these unusual days of pandemic how the nations of the world are connected, and nurture our ability to see the face of your son, Jesus, in those whom we look upon as "other".  Guide us through this challenging time.  Show us how we can "be the church" while caring for one another by social distancing.  In Your holy name we pray.  Amen.

I had never before noticed the similarity between "We hold these truths to be self evident..." and "Respect the dignity of every human being".  Words to ponder.