Today many people throughout our country will celebrate and remember July 4^th as the historic Declaration of Independence, in U.S. history, a document that was approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and that announced the separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence included these three major ideas: People have certain Inalienable Rights including Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness. All Men are created equal. Individuals have a civic duty to defend these rights for themselves and others.

It is important that we recognize that although our country was founded on these guiding principles, it was amid the contradictory reality of slavery and oppression. Throughout the generations people have strived to live and embody these principles of our founding forefathers and have worked hard to overcome injustices resulting in significant progress having been made along the way.

Yet, today in our country there is so much discord, violence and erosion of rights that we have taken for granted. Throughout the world there is such turmoil, war, environmental degradation and poverty. People fleeing their homelands to become refugees, often viewed as unwanted strangers in foreign lands. Yet each person has a story and a yearning for a better life for their family, and their children. Would we not seek the same path forward, risking life and death to escape tyranny and oppression?

It is easy to become disheartened and fall into despair. Yet, the human spirit yearns for and seeks an ever-present Light. These dark times have spurred a new awakening, of people coming together in unity to create a world of abundance not scarcity. There are so many good people doing good things to make our world a better, more peaceful place.

These words, are the gift that comes to me today, a gift that is meant to be shared with one another.  

“Peace, I leave with you; My peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

Peace be with you, this is my prayer for you on this Independence Day.

Liz Sorensen Wessel
Above drawing ~liz
Christ Healing -unknown artist