One experience exceptionally vivid in my mind is shared by my wife, Jerry. I seem to always remember it in connection with July 4.
We had spent only two days in East Germany, having gone there from three days in West Germany where everything seemed “up” and alive. The East was “down,” dead. We could feel the “deadness,” especially where the church was severely restricted.
As we left, we passed through “Checkpoint Charlie,” the tightly guarded division point between these two sections of this divided country. What had been a barely glimmering sight was boldly waving for all to see, a huge American Flag. Even if one sought to, it would be difficult for an American to suppress pride and joy.
As I ponder, I often connect the music and singing in the country churches of my growing up year with the kind of joy I felt in that Berlin experience. Now and then, I find the old paperback Stamps-Baxter Favorite Songs and Hymns book we have, and sing my joyful freedom. The chorus of one of them is
We will shout and sing His praises
Through the never ending ages
Everybody will be happy over there
Another is WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN.
When we all get to heaven
What a day of rejoicing that will be;
When we all see Jesus
We will sing and shout the victory.
Let’s think deeply about the Fourth. Let’s remember how blessed we are. Let’s repent of our failures to value our freedom and let’s determine to support all who are seeking freedom for all humankind.