
I haven't written for several months - I have been busy living life and adjusting to my "new normal," due to the reoccurence of breast cancer that continues to threaten my happy life.
As I have a few minutes to reflect on this 4th of July, which marks our 239th Independence Day celebration, I am mindful of the many changes that are occuring in my life and in our beloved Nation.
While I am focusing on celebrating that our flag still waves, we are able to live our lives free from oppression and tyranny, and that we are free to "pursue happiness." And, I am also mindful that our freedoms and blessings are not to be
taken for granted, as is true with our health, and any other blessings in our lives, because things can change in an instant.
This morning, as I was having a special 4th of July "tea-time" with my friends and neighbors Pat and Patty, we were talking about the difference between living free from burdens, cares, stresses and grief, and living under any type of oppression or fear. Patty has also been dealing with breast cancer, and like me, she has experienced disappointment and some fear coupled with spiritual renewal and refinement, for which we both shared we are extremely grateful in the face of the unknown.
As I reflect on my personal life experiences, on this special day of celebrating "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," I am reminded of the foundational patriots of our Country, the heroes and champions of liberty, that were willing to lay down their lives for freedom's sake, and, I can't help but ask myself, "Am I that kind of woman/patriot? Am I willing to lay down my ego, my fears and even my life for freedom's sake? Without hesitation, I say, "YES , I am - thanks be to God, I am!"
We have so much to protect and be grateful for in this beautiful and blessed Country of our's and it is my fervant hope and prayer on this July 4, 2015, that "we the people" will never forget who we are as a people and a Nation. We are freedom lovers and it is no coincidence that we are living here and now in this time in our Nation's history.
May our faith and trust in the wisdom of our founding forefathers never faulter or be exchanged for what seems right for a time or a season, and may we be a humble and grateful people in recognition and gratitude for our God-given freedoms and liberties.
Thomas Jefferson Quote
3rd U.S. President, Drafter and Signer of the Declaration of Independence
"God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever . . ."
--Notes on the State of Virginia, Query XVIII, p. 237.
Happy and Blessed Independence Day everyone! May we be permitted to enjoy many, many more
days of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!"
Angie
www.amotherlikeme.info
amotherlikeme@gmail.com