As the 250th anniversary of the US is almost upon us, it can be good to reflect on what independence really means for this country and for each one of us personally. Looking back in time to the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, it marks the historic day when the original thirteen American colonies severed their political ties with Great Britain to form a new, independent nation. The declaration of independence asserted that all people have fundamental rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Our country is rather young compared to many other countries around the world. We have gone through many growing pains over the last 250 years from stumbling in the dark, making mistakes, going to war and sometimes asserting our ambition and power in ways that are questionable. But we have also done many things right by setting up the constitutional framework and the government to protect our individual rights, freedom of speech and the right to seek individual and family happiness.
Unfortunately, not all countries give these same rights and privileges as the US does. Our country became a beacon of goodness for many years and attracted many immigrants who wanted a piece of the American dream.
Regardless of how we may feel about the country today, our leaders and whether we support the left, right or neither party, we still have these rights and privileges in place to support and protect us. Many people have given their lives to protect these rights over the years, and we owe them and our country much gratitude.
Individually speaking, the freedom to be, to express ourselves and to seek happiness is a God given gift. Freedom from tyranny is wonderful, but there is much more to freedom and independence than some may realize. There are many different levels of freedom and independence. God made each person unique, but we all come from Spirit and therefore wouldn’t it be better if we tried to accept and understand each other, giving each person the freedom to be who they are. The world would be a much better place if we learned to be more accommodating, patient and understanding of each other.
How many people are truly free in spirit, mind and body. I dare say very few. If we are addicted or attached to anything outside of ourselves, which may include certain foods, drinks, money, power, caffeine, smoking weed or tobacco, drugs, gossiping, lying, being angry and doing things that are not in harmony with our spirit, we are not free. Real freedom lies in living a healthy God-centered life and using our God given reason to act in ways that are in harmony with our higher self, which always knows right from wrong.
Just remember, we are all made in the perfect image of God. If we have been living under the oppression of ego or carrying with us the old hurts and sorrows of the past, we can turn away from the old ways today and seek real freedom in God. He alone can heal any wound, right any wrong and make our crooked path straight. So, my fellow readers, Let Your Freedom Ring!
Enjoy reading this article? Read more from Steven Boyd
