I am always struck by the things considered "controversial" today. I actually left a FB group over the celebration of July 4th. As a proud American and born and breed member of the U.S.A., I never would have guessed people would question any American's decision to celebrate the 4th. Yes, during the first 4th there were some people still in the ugly, horrid bondage's of slavery. Given my ancestral background, it may have even been some distant relatives of mine. That is a very ugly scare on this nation's history. While we should never forget that time, lest we forget it - at some point forgiveness, acceptance, and moving on is important as well.
I never experienced the shackles of slavery, nor did my neighbors hold in their hands a whip. How can I judge them for a pain they didn't inflict, a pain I didn't experience. I have decided to let God be a judge of the past, and do what was specifically demanded of me in scripture - to LOVE my neighbor. In the twisted, meddled, and melted pot of the United States - it wouldn't be ironic to find slave owners as well as slaves in my family tree. My neighbor has just as much possibility of finding both branches in their own. Since it is impossible to sort out completely today - why not just look at each other as family. Family understands the imperfections in one another, yet chooses to love each other anyway.
So, to my homeland - with all her imperfections: Happy Independence Day. For I can't think of another place I would rather be at this moment.
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