I am going to be quite transparent in today's blog post. I am an unabashed and unrepentant American patriot! From the time my reading skills surpassed the "Run, Dick, Run!" books of my early childhood, I read everything I could get my hands on about the history of America -- beginning with Virginia Dare, who was the first English child born in an American English colony; the Roanoke colony to be exact. She was born on August 18th, exactly 366 years prior to my own birth, so I've always felt a connection to her. The entire colony disappeared and what happened to them is a still a mystery to this day. Yet she symbolizes man's desire to seek freedom and independence no matter the cost.
And I was blessed to have an aunt that was a librarian and took an interest in sharing books that would kindle my love of American history. There was a series of children's books that began in the 1930s called "Childhood of Famous Americans". They were illustrated with black silhouette shadow profiles of the book subjects. I would go to the library with my aunt and spent many days devouring these books that inspired me with the childhood stories of American patriots and what led them to their purpose and greatness in the American story. The first one I read was about Thomas Jefferson, followed quickly by George Washington, Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, Meriweather Lewis, Ethan Allen, Francis Marion, Dolly Madison, Harriet Tubman, Molly Pitcher, and on and on. The series extensively covered the personalities of the American Revolution, and I was fascinated with each and every person.
I am not naive enough to think that these books did not simplify the lives of these historical Americans, and that they concealed their flaws and foibles for the sake of young readers. Like each one of us, there are weaknesses and shortcomings in our life stories, but these books were written from the perspective of introducing how the principles of the American story influenced these heroes and patriots. I know, for me, they incited a sense of pride in my country, and a desire to emulate their legacies to America. In today's culture, it's apparent that we've come a long way from that mindset. In fact, our libraries are filled with anti-American teachings; books that disparage our history and denigrate our founding principles and citizens.
I know the generations that have followed me have not had the same opportunities or blessings of being shown the original [and foundational] truths of the founding of our country, and why its existence is so important to the world. Several years ago, I read a book written in 1981 by W. Cleon Skousen, titled The 5,000 Year Leap. The book refers to the significant progress and advancements made in human civilization, particularly in the context of the American Revolution and the founding of America, which established a new form of government based on principles of freedom, equality, and justice. The concept emphasized that the Founding Fathers created a unique system that allowed for unprecedented growth and prosperity, rooted in natural law and Judeo-Christian values.
I would like to share a few of those principles from the book that have contributed to why I think America should be recognized for their contribution to man's freedom, liberties, and independence. They also represent why I still choose to be a patriot and am proud of my country...
• It is important that we return to the truth that our Founding documents are worthy of being studied and honored in our halls of education. We need to recognize the Founding Fathers' principle that the only reliable basis for sound government and human relations [that are just] is Natural Law. And what is meant by "Natural Law"? As defined by the Founding Fathers, it refers to universal moral principles inherent in human nature [and which come from our Creator] and which can be understood through reason. These moral principles were [and still are] essential for establishing rights and governance, as reflected in the Declaration of Independence.
But what is most important is that the men who established our form of government understood that Natural Law is God's law! There are certain laws of the universe that originate with the One who created the universe, and these laws that come from God are innately involved "in the affairs of men".
• A free people cannot survive under a republican constitution unless they remain virtuous and morally strong. A republican constitution is a governing document that establishes a system where representatives are elected by the people to make decisions on their behalf, and it is governed by a written constitution that outlines the fundamental principles and laws of the state. This type of constitution ensures that the government operates under the rule of law, protecting the rights and liberties of individuals while limiting the powers of the government itself.
There is a famous quote by Benjamin Franklin, who in the aftermath of the contentious Constitutional Convention, was asked by Elizabeth Willing Powel, a Philadelphia socialite, "Well, Doctor Franklin, what have we got ... a republic or a monarchy?" His cultivated response: "A republic, Madam, if you can keep it". But there is another quote by Franklin, that I find especially relevant for today's national climate ... "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." Is that where we find ourselves today?!?
• I still believe, like the Founding Fathers, that all things have been created by God, and all mankind are equally dependent on Him, and therefore equally responsible to Him. That leads to the principle that without Faith [or Religion, if you prefer], the government of a free people cannot be maintained. George Washington said it best: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports .... And let us [with caution] indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion [faith]."
The Founding Fathers considered the existence of the Creator as the most fundamental premise underlying all self-evident Truth. They felt a person who boasted he or she was an atheist had just simply failed to apply his or her divine capacity for reason and discernment.
• Mankind has been blessed by God with certain natural rights, such as life and liberty, that don't need the help of human laws to be more effective or stronger. In addition, no human legislation has the power to reduce or destroy those rights, unless the person, himself, commits a flagrant violation that forfeits his rights. In conjunction with these natural rights of life and liberty, is the understanding that they are secure only so long as the rights of property are secure. This was a revolutionary idea in the history of mankind. Never before had men been able to declare rights to property they had cultivated and improved by their labor.
• And perhaps one of the most important principles that represents the founding of America is the idea that the core unit which determines the strength of any society is the family; therefore the government should foster and protects its integrity. When Alexis de Tocqueville, a French historian, political scientist and politician toured America in 1831-32, he made this observation... "There is certainly no country in the world where the tie of marriage is more respected than in America, or where conjugal happiness is more highly or worthily appreciated." And where marriage is held in such high esteem, it follows that family and children are respected and cherished.
These are just some of the principles upon which the founding of our country were established. It is not difficult to see where we have failed in maintaining these high standards set by God and our Founding Fathers. And it is a sad truth that we have enemies within our country who have fomented rebellion and disobedience against God's laws and righteous and just relations between men. Sadly, it might seem as if we have abandoned the principles upon which those courageous men and women risked their "lives, fortunes and sacred honor" in order to establish a new covenant of freedom and independence for all men.
But, I have faith in this country! For 250 years. we have fought off the strategies of human and spiritual forces to destroy the hope that America stands for. The heart of that little girl I used to be is still inspired by my fellow countrymen and women who rise above the corruption; who believe in our Divine purpose in the world; and who recognize that when we repent for our sins, God will still pull us out of the fire we have self-inflicted. This is my country... but first, it was His country and He afforded me the blessing to be born here. And, so, today I celebrate our longevity. I commemorate and recall the miracles of our founding; how 13 individual colonies came together for the good of all; who respected what God had provided for them in this amazing land. I thank God that I am an American and I know, without a doubt, that the spirit of 1776 is still alive in 2026! If God is for us, who can be against us? Happy Birthday, America! We are still here and worth fighting for!
1 Peter 2:16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
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