By Erlene Smith

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Proverbs 14:34 (KJV)

When we think about the Fourth of July Holiday, we usually think of picnics, cookouts, swimming and getting together with family and friends. It is really good to do all these things, but let us not forget the real reason we are able to celebrate doing all these fun things.

On June 10, 1776, Congress voted to name a committee to write a Declaration of Independence from Britain. The five committee members were: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman. Thomas Jefferson was asked by the other members of the committee to write the Declaration. Jefferson completed the task in about two weeks. Franklin and Adams made a few minor changes.

The Continental Congress adopted this Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The 56 men who signed the Declaration knew well that they may suffer adversity from having signed the document.

Indeed, they did suffer: Five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes, from Rhode Island to Charleston, sacked or burned. Two lost sons in the Army. One had two sons captured. Nine of the Fifty-six died in the war.

As we celebrate on the Fourth of July, let us pause to give thanks for these courageous  founding fathers who fulfilled their pledge to keep America safe.

Let us feel and show a great spirit of patriotism and lift up America and its leaders in our prayers.

Prayer: Thank You Lord that we live in a free country. Help us and our country’s leaders to be a righteous nation.