The fourth of July is the day we celebrate the United States of America’s independence and establishing it as a country free from tyranny and foreign rule. The original 13 colonies would now be free from British control.
Ironically, our country may be free from foreign rule, but are we influenced by powers that cause an internal rift creating a great divide. We as a country are yet to be truly a united country. Even though we are no longer ruled by a foreign power, if we are not careful, America could be headed towards external influences that could be our downfall.
If we want to maintain the freedoms and liberties that all our forefathers (black, white, brown, and red), died for we must figure out how to be more united and stand together in what is best for all Americans.
The United States of America is made up of people from all nations. We all came to this country under different circumstances and the only original people here were the Native Americans, also known as the American Indian. The rest of us either came here either by force or choice. No matter what our origins, it is up to each of us to determine what we will do to contribute to making us one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Being united does not mean we will not have differences and it is okay to be proud of your family roots and heritage because that is part of what makes each of us unique. However, we must dig deep for what we have in common to build a strong foundation for our country to survive the attacks that could come against us, internally and externally. Relatively speaking we are still a young country compared to other empires and governments. Remember, a country divided is at the mercy of any storm that could come against us.
I have had the privilege of traveling all around the world, and although I have enjoyed so many of the places I have visited, there is still no place like home. The United States of America, although we are not perfect, I believe we are the best country with the best opportunities for all its citizens. It is the hope that so many of our ancestors held onto for equal opportunity for everyone.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. talked about what he envisioned in his “I Have a Dream” speech. I too hold onto the hope and belief that my grandchildren and their children will be able to live a life of prosperity and contribute to making it the best place on earth.
The freedoms and opportunities that we can experience here are unlike so many other places around the globe. You can come from a poor background with little education and still build a thriving business. Every little girl and boy can grow up with the thought of one day being the President of the United States and it can be a reality. This is not so in every country.
This month, American flags will be flying high honoring not only the 4th of July, but also our citizens that will be participating in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Let us also try and keep in mind what our flag stands for. The red and white stripes represent the original 13 colonies, and the fifty stars represent all our states coming together as one.
The color white signifies purity and innocence. Red stands for hardiness and valor. Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
I know today with all the political divide that we have in our country there are people with mixed emotions about what our flag may stand for, but remember, we are all in this together and some kind of way we must figure out how to forgive, love, honor, and respect each other for the hope of future generations. The American flag belongs to all of us. I want to wish everyone a happy and blessed Independence Day.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
