Freedom, independence, liberty refer to an absence of undue restrictions and an opportunity to exercise one's rights and powers. Freedom emphasizes the opportunity given for the exercise of one's rights, powers, desires, or the like: freedom of speech or conscience; freedom of movement. Independence implies not only lack of restrictions but also the ability to stand alone, unsustained by anything else: Independence of thought promotes invention and discovery. Liberty, though most often interchanged with freedom, is also used to imply undue exercise of freedom. 1
Reading what the Random House dictionary says about freedom and synonyms used for freedom, who would not want to be free? Those who are enslaved against their will have the desire to be free. Millions have died for freedom's sake. They perished on battlefields, high seas, and along borders just to taste freedom!
All too often, those of us who are free take our personal liberties for granted. America, as we celebrate our Independence on July 4 th , enjoy the fireworks, backyard bar-b-que's, activities in the park and on the lake, but please make a deliberate effort to remember the reason for our celebration.
Americans are spoiled. That is not a derogatory statement to me. We are indeed spoiled because we are a blessed nation. To say Americans are heartless is not only derogatory but also untrue. Americans are a proud people. We have much for which to be proud.
If we focus on the negativity even in its truth, our view will be dim, dreary, weary, unpleasant and ungracious. We must focus on every citizen who makes America what she is today in spite of our history. We must help to create a bright future for every citizen who has been granted freedom as an American.
As the late President John F. Kennedy said, "One person can make a difference, and every person must try." I challenge you to make a difference. I challenge you to grab a piece of America and make her better. I challenge you to take a chance on her, give her a try. Keep America in your prayers and every now and again, ask God to continue His blessings on America and all Americans.
Happy Birthday America!
2009 by Avis Ward of
GeoVi's Home for New Life
1 Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2009.
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