On this Independence Day 2018, love of God and Country runs high here at OnionBusiness.com. We give thanks for living in this, the greatest country on earth, and pray we continue to live freely in His grace, by His hand.
We are reminded of a song written by composer Irving Berlin during World War I in 1918, and we celebrate that the brilliant burst of patriotism in “God Bless America” is 100 years old this year.
As simple and maybe outdated as they might sound to some, the song’s lyrics are in truth as new and hopeful as the first bright glimmer of dawn. These lyrics are as tenacious and sturdy as an earth-gripping giant sequoia. And the message is as reassuring as a simple, kind word from a familiar smiling face.
The very best of America is all those things – bright and lasting and even kind. But right now our country is also divided with a troubling, deep cleft of opinion and emotion.
In Matthew 12:25 we are told, “But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.’”
Please stop for a day. Stop the revulsion and mean-spirited attacks. Stop the sniping and physical assaults. Thank someone whose life is selflessly doing for others. Thank a cop or a member of the military. Thank a doctor or a first responder or the person who collects your garbage. Thank a taxi driver or a grocery store clerk, a teacher or the person who holds the door open for you.
Thank a farmer for sure.
Be nice to one another, because this IS America.
And then take a bit of time and listen to someone sing this song and mean it.
God bless America, land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America,
My home sweet home.
Happy Independence Day.
