Happy 241st Birthday America!

We think of July 4, 1776, as THE date representing America’s Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States as an independent nation.

So what happened on July 4, 1776?

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence. They’d been working on a draft submitted July 2nd and finally agreed on all the edits and changes July 4th.

July 4, 1776, then became the well-known date included on the Declaration of Independence, and the fancy handwritten copy signed in August which is now displayed at the National Archives in D.C.  It’s also the date original copies of the Declaration were circulated throughout the new nation. So, when people thought of selecting a date to commemorate the celebration of the Declaration of Independence, July 4th seemed most prominent.

Today is an opportunity to thank God for our freedom. Thank Him specifically for the recent rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court in Masterpiece Cakeshop, National Institute for Life Advocates, Barronelle Stutzman and Arlene’s Floral affirming our right to free speech. Our constitution ensures freedom of speech. It’s been vital in these recent cases to protect citizens from being forced to speak a government-compelled message conflicting with their deeply held beliefs. The beauty of America is that you and I have the freedom to live, work and raise a family without compromising our deeply held beliefs.

Take a moment to thank God for your freedom and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure we remain a free republic.

Also, pause and pray for our leaders today. Pray for our President as he nominates the next U.S. Supreme Court Justice with the recent retirement of Justice Kennedy. Pray for the U.S. Senate to confirm a justice who will uphold the Constitution and not legislate from the bench.

From your friends at Nebraska Family Alliance, we wish you a blessed Independence Day as you celebrate Family, Freedom & Life.

Karen Bowling

Karen Bowling

Executive Director
When Karen isn't fulfilling her duties as the Executive Director of NFA, leading a women's Bible study, or coordinating a prayer meeting, she's usually with her five grandchildren that keep her busy, laughing, and young at heart.