Holding on to Faith and Freedom
Holding tight to faith produces the determination to pursue freedom.
As we approach another Independence Day, July 4th, we can reflect on our founding fathers and how grateful we are for their incredible bravery. Because of them, the United States of America we know and love today took shape. It began with a group of brave men in pursuit of religious freedom for themselves and their families. At great personal risk, they braved many a hardship enroute to the new world. The familiar was left behind as they set sail for the unknown.
Myles Standish and Me
Some of you likely have a similar history to mine where my family’s lineage traces back to Myles Standish and the formation of Plymouth Colony in 1620. Brave men knew some form of governance would be necessary to keep everyone moving in a united direction. That document became the Mayflower Compact.
Mayflower Compact (November 11, 1620)
Concerned that some members might leave to form their own colonies, William Bradford and others drafted the compact to bind the group into a political body and pledge members to abide by any laws that would be established. The document adapted a church covenant to a civil situation and was the basis of the colony’s government and was signed by 41 male passengers aboard the Mayflower before landing at Plymouth (Massachusetts).
Words Acknowledging God
In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign lord King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, etc.
Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our king and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, covenant, and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, offices from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony: unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names; Cape Cod, the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our sovereign lord King James, of England, France and Ireland eighteenth and of Scotland fifty-fourth, Anno Domini 1620. The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica
Oppression or Freedom
Oppression mounted as did persecution against religious groups. The opening remarks of the Mayflower Compact include acknowledging the dread sovereign lord King James. This wording is significant since King James was the very reason religious freedom was jeopardized. King James’s policies isolated religious communities. As a result, many English disdained their government. Some religious groups, such as the Pilgrims and the Puritans, chose to leave England and set sail for America.
James insisted upon a much stricter observance of the reformed faith, declaring: “Who can’t pray with me, can’t love me.” Early in his reign, he and his councilors began drafting new legislation for the persecution of Catholics. The Jesuit priest, John Gerard, expressed the bitter disappointment that spread among the Catholic community: “A flash of lightning, giving for the time a pale light unto those that sit in darkness, doth afterwards leave them in more desolation.” ( History Extra Academy https://d.docs.live.net/a4283c265de62ab1/Documents/Mail%20Chimp-Mailer%20Lite%20Posts-Creating%20Harmony/2024%20MailerLite%20posts)
Value Our Founding Fathers
God bless America as we continue to forge freedom and uphold our constitutional rights. Let’s remember to value the brave men and women who fought hard to instill and protect the freedoms we love. Let’s teach that principle to our children. The price of freedom may very well depend on whether we defend our patriotic ability to speak up during this time in history.
Prayer:
Lord, founder of freedom, giver of divine courage, we ask that You open hearts to greater understanding. Bring revival across the land. May we unite in prayer for the USA, as “One Nation Under God”. The founders laid foundations for a nation meant to be indivisible with liberty for all. We pray for harmony among our citizens, and divisive thoughts to become empathy and love for one another. Do a mighty work in us. Amen
Coaches Corner:
If freedom is something you desire, and unity seems a far off notion, talking with a life coach can help you take those next steps forward. The first 30 minute session is free. https://www.rebuildingfamilies.net/a-life-coach-wants-to-help-you-achieve-your-goals/
