Tag Archive | Constitution

A Refresh on the Revolution…

Jul22

There has been quite a bit of enthusiasm over our 250th birthday. There was the movie Young Washington which only wetted my appetite for more about our founding father. (And from what I’ve learned is, there will be.) The event Rededicate 250 held on the National Mall rekindled my hope for a return to the Christian principles embedded within our Constitution. Then the enthusiastic acceptance of our World Cup visitor friends, opened my eyes to appreciate my beloved country from a fresh perspective. Needless to say, I was inspired.

Since the Christian faith of our Founding Fathers is severely downplayed these days, I knew I needed a refresh on the facts of our Revolutionary days. So when I discovered Eric Metaxas’s book, “Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation,” I was intrigued. You know what drew me to his book? He told the whole story. He didn’t leave God out. That was and is the missing element of most history books of our day. And frankly I hungered for that missing element.

So I’m in the process of reading Mr. Metaxas’s book. And I’m enthralled. Being a Christian myself, Revolution enables me to see the leaders of our Revolution from a relatable perspective. It surprised me to know that our Revolution has been the only successful revolution of many world revolutions? Ours has lasted 250 years and is proof positive that adhering to the biblical principles within our Constitution is the reason why. For the world’s sake, in order to continue moving forward America must return to her Christian faith. And the words of Ronald Raegan, and Puritan pilgrim John Winthrop based on Matthew 5:14-16 tells us why:

“For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. So that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world.” John Winthrop

Raising up generations who are ignorant of the impact Christianity had on the formation of our country has produced the ignorance we are dealing with today. Did you know that it was reported that some of our leadership argued recently that our rights don’t come from God! This is shocking to me. However, is it any wonder we would be so misinformed about our country’s beginnings when we’ve lost sight of what motivated our Founding Fathers to establish such a country?

So I’m taking a refreshing plunge into a complete account of my country, thanks to Mr Metaxas. I do not care to continue in ignorance of all the nuances involved in the acts of faith and miracles of God that shaped our beloved United States of America. I strongly feel, if we desire to continue moving forward, we should be determined, as our Founding Fathers were, not to go without God.

Seeing America Through New Eyes: World Cup Impact While Celebrating Our 250th Birthday

Jul15
Add several American flags in scene

“See for yourself” is a call to verify claims directly. Combine that with critical thinking — asking who, what, and how — to make sure you’re judging truth based on evidence, not just emotion or repetition.

As America opened her doors to the fans and teams of the World Cup, reports flavored with surprise began to unfold. Our visitors discovered that America and her people weren’t anything like the negative portrayals global media had led them to believe. After all, repeated exposure to false claims can make them seem more believable.

But what happens when we are cut off from that negative influence? What happens when we place our feet upon the soil of reality? Ahh, the outcome is a very different narrative. So instead of hearsay and second hand information defining their opinions of America, our visitors formed their opinions of America through their own eyes. Some international fans openly admitted they were “wrong about Americans.”

And right in the middle of the World Cup games, America celebrated her 250th birthday. That sparked and energized a resurgence of patriotic celebrations. And maybe for the first time for many of our visitors and maybe for some Americans they began to see America AS the Beautiful. And with the steady influx of praise from our new friends, America was reminded of her strengths. The godly principles of our Constitution.

I believe that America is going through a time of transition. Prior to the World Cup and our 250th birthday, we have been seeing a return to the principles on which our beloved country was founded. I notice it most clearly as many of our leaders are increasing in their boldness to proclaim their faith in God. Thus, inspiring many Americans to follow their lead.

So I have no doubt that the timing of the World Cup games and our 250th birthday, was Providential. For too long, we have been fed a steady diet of what is wrong with America. It’s wears on her citizens and discourages us. God knew we needed our spirits to be renewed. And He provided.