Today is the day after the traditional 4th of July celebration, but like good Americans, we will let this celebration roll into the weekend. It is a great cause for celebration! This country was formed through the toil and struggles of valiant men and women who wanted to build a better world for themselves and others.

It wasn’t easy, if any conflict can be called easy. This revolution was dirty, messy, unorganized and fraught with problems from its very beginning. In many ways, it was a miracle that it succeeded.

The freedom fighters of the Revolutionary War were rebelling against oppressive taxation and domination by a government which had taken them for granted. Back even further, the original settlers were often fleeing from religious intolerance, although their religions could be intolerant, as well.

We come to today’s world of many religions, all of which can be practiced freely in the United States of America. We don’t have to agree with all of them. We can express our opinions about them without fear of reparation or punishment.

And like musical tastes, we have a wide variety of choices; some satisfy the hungry heart; some drive us nuts! In the choral piece, “I Hear America Singing” written by André J. Thomas, America is urged to sing of its greatness and beauty. We are encouraged to sing, walk and shout together as we travel along the path to the Promised Land.

All of America singing in its many harmonies makes a beautiful noise of thanksgiving to the God who loves us unconditionally. God who wants only the best for His children; who wants us to “Sing together, children. Don’t you get weary. There’s a great camp meeting in the Promised Land.” (“I Hear America Singing”)

Terri