With the 250th birthday of America coming in just a few days, we’ll hear many stories about the American Revolution. There are many recognizable names – like John Adams and his wife Abigail – George & Martha Washington – Benjamin Franklin – and on and on. These people were most notable, but we often forget about those who put their lives on the line to forge a new country founded to fulfill the American dream.

Those unsung heroes were many. Most of them were ordinary citizens trying to make a go of life in this newly settled land. There were blacksmiths, carpenters, farmers, statesmen, printers, artisans of all kinds. Most of them had come to America to start a new life. The common men and women who actually built this country are often set aside in history as we focus on the celebrities of the day.

Those who fought in battles – those who suffered the loss of family members – those left fatherless – those who gave their lives will not be honored in history books or during the upcoming celebration of the founding of America. Most of them were like most of us. They were struggling to make a living. Children were forced to work for little or no wages. Women were delegated to the kitchen, giving birth and nursing the sick back to health, but there were many heroes among them.

As we look back at those early settlers and the sacrifices they made, it’s humbling yet fills our hearts with pride at what they accomplished. Patriotism was at an all-time high. Love of country and neighbors wasn’t perfect, but a far sight better than it is today. What will it take to rekindle that fire? It isn’t the wars fought. It isn’t those in public office who made a difference. It isn’t the political rhetoric of this age – racism, sexual equality – inclusion – differences in opinion – anger or hatred.

Today the United States of America remain a nation filled with common men and women. Those unsung heroes that continue to love this country and are willing to give their lives to protect it. The voice of the people will never die, unless we forget who we are and how we got here.

God has graciously endowed our country with so much. The talents of the people, the gifts they share, the ideas, the solutions, the basic things of life all make up the body of our nation. We have differences – yes indeed. We are not a nation under God any longer. We have strayed from the Creator of the universe, but He hasn’t left us. He reigns forever and ever.

God bless America once again and give her another 250 years of history to build and enjoy until we reach our perfect home in heaven.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!