Independence Day

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.


Great days never exist alone. There are important events preceeding and following such great days. Consider our country's birthday. Britain's Parliament passed the Stamp Act in 1765, angering the colonists. British troops shot and killed five civilians in Boston in 1770. The actual war began in April of 1775 when colonists took up arms against British troops trying to seize the supplies of the Massachusetts militia. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, forming the United States of America. The Americans defeated the British at the Battle of Yorktown in Virginia in 1781. Finally, the Americans and British signed the Treaty of Paris in 1783, 18 years after the Stamp Act.

We would do well to learn from our Founding Fathers. Aside from the Bible, the Declaration of Independence is one of the most inspired texts ever put to paper. In wisdom, and using restraint, they tried to address their grievances without bloodshed and within the confines of the existing ties to Britain. But when provoked, attacked, and ignored, they fought back when necessary. Although up against a more powerful and much larger army, the American troops were victorious in the end.

When we are faced with unfair opposition in our individual lives, we should declare independence from those who would seek to oppress us. As the Declaration states, we should appeal to the Supreme Judge of the world. We can stand firm in our faith, rely on God, and resist the attacks of those who don't understand or agree with us. We can turn the other cheek while also aligning ourselves with those who will uphold us through trials.