Article: Reflections on the 250th Anniversary of our Nation’s Birth
Do we come to the 4th of July to check a box? We made it 250 years, check. Or is there something more?
If we want to find meaning in this holiday, we need to look back.
I know it is obvious, but THE WORLD YOU WERE BORN INTO LONGER EXISTS.
This generation doesn’t know what we once had. The things we took for granted that made our corner of the world great.
Sitting on our front porch and knowing all our neighbors, including the grumpy Mr. Johnson who lived five doors down from us. Today, we hang out in our backyards isolated from everyone.
We enjoyed ice cream socials and potlucks in hot church basements. We spent time together building community.
We actually cared about our neighbors.
If we want that again, it is incumbent on us to point the way for the next generation.
Life does not have to be polarized, hateful and ugly.
Some of us remember the bicentennial. We still can be the people of 1976… a people with common purpose and pride – to remind others there is something better ahead—we can reclaim what we once possessed.
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country’s birth we need to tap into the dreams and aspirations of our ancestors: The Founding Fathers, Emma Lazarus, presidents, and Martin Luther King Jr.
This is our moment to remember and ask, what were they were striving for? What were their hopes and aspirations for us?
This is the moment to re-ignite that dream, and keep hope alive.
Why?
Because Status quo is not good enough.
I saw a picture last week—maybe you did too.
On the DC metro train, a woman of color in a sea of white men all from the white supremist and fascist group: The Patriot Front.
That is not the image I want the world to see when they see our country. They don’t represent who we are or what we aspire too.
I believe in The Pledge of Allegiance that end with, “…and liberty and justice for all.” Even if we aren’t there yet, it is a goad to keep pushing us forward…
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote about these United States of America when speaking out about injustice, inequity and ethical laxity and why he kept pushing us for change.
“Because I love her” and I want to see her stand as the moral example of the world.”
“The day has passed for superficial patriotism.” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We come to this moment not to celebrate what we are, but what we could be.
It is good to hear the gift of music to move towards a more perfect union. After all, music is a gift from God who, in God’s nature is one.
Let the division of these days wash off of you and tune into the real heartbeat of this nation that will move us forward to be the people we have ALWAYS been and called to be: one nation, under God.
God bless you,
Pr. Ben
