Old Glory
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5 (NLT)
A Patriotic Essay by Dylan, age 14
I’m proud to be an American because our country values freedom! In 1776, our founding fathers claimed this right to be free and independent by signing the Declaration of Independence holding these truths to be clear: “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Our independence continues to grow giving people freedom to make choices about where we live, what we say, and how we worship. But like with most things, freedom came at a price. Many American patriots lost their lives battling the British loyalists. Even today, military men and women fight for the rights of diversity and equality; risking their lives on modern-day battlefields for liberty and the security of our great nation.
What can I do to give back? I can show appreciation by caring for my home and community.
I can speak humbly when voicing my opinion. Most of all, I can be thankful for the freedom to worship my Creator without the threat of danger. Yes, I’m proud to be an American and I’m grateful God has blessed my country.
Conversation Starters
- Refresh your knowledge of the Declaration of Independence by reading through it. Discuss the things that jumped out and captured your attention.
- The Declaration references God, their Creator, and the Divine Providence. Talk about the significance of Christianity and the forming of our political freedom.
- Finish the following sentence with other family members: I’m proud to be an American because…..
An Adult Perspective
Although the Declaration of Independence gave purpose and unity to the political oppression, guaranteeing the freedom they fought for is an ongoing task. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President, said it best: “Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.” Every 4th of July I’m reminded of the endless pursuit for freedom, and the courage and sacrifice demonstrated by military personnel as they serve at home and abroad.
I read Eisenhower’s words and compared them to faith.
Like freedom, our faith must be connected to its life-giving roots – the Fruit of the Spirit – or it, too, will wither and die. Like a branch attached to the vine, we receive the nourishment of Christ to produce Godly fruit by staying close to Him.
Declare your allegiance to Christ by staying connected to His vine. Be fruitful in the Spirit producing “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 (GNT)
Freedom is like faith. Both require the nourishment of life-giving roots.
