* The Statue of Lady Liberty *

Greetings and blessings! On Saturday, July 4th, we as a deeply divided nation celebrated our 250th Anniversary. Yes of course, I’m proud to be an American in this land that I fought and sacrificed for. Yes, supposed to be free but still not free. Unfortunately, since we have not learned and don’t know if we ever will learn that “We The People” means everyone, regardless of race, creed or color. However, Trump and this administration have made an obvious political mockery of democracy. Nevertheless, as we celebrate, it is just as important that we educate. So, let’s start with the Statue of Liberty, one of the tallest monuments in the world was a gift from France to the United States of America. The Statue of Liberty symbolizes freedom, democracy, and hope, serving as a universal beacon for liberty and a welcoming figure for millions of immigrants that Trump is doing everything that’s not in his power to keep them out. The statue officially named “Liberty Enlightening the World.” It was proposed to commemorate the American Declaration of Independence and celebrate the abolition of slavery in the United States. In fact, I do believe its ultimate meaning remains relevant today. But in so many obvious ways, what she represents has tremendously changed over time. You see, initially, she was meant to greet millions of immigrants and travelers into the New York harbor. Her face has a severe expression and calm demeanor that represents the long and difficult journey to freedom. The Statue of Liberty was more than a monument, but represented a powerful idea that liberty is a universal right worth celebrating, defending, and sharing with the world.
Rightly so, my heart was literally touched in a profound and warm way as I watched and listened on Independence Day. There were numerous now American citizen immigrants that told their individual stories. They told of traveling to America and seeing the more than 300 feet overall statue with a torch of light from a distance with tears in their eyes. They told of being received with open arms and becoming America citizens and given the opportunity to flourish in a new life of freedom, opportunity, prosperity, respect and love. Those immigrants have and still are contributing so much and have made significant differences in our growth and success of the United States of America. So, as we celebrated the freedoms we enjoy as a country, we thank God even more for the freedom that can never be taken away from us; the freedom found in Jesus Christ. Earthly liberty is a precious gift, but freedom in Christ Jesus is forever!