The Second Continental Congress officially adopted the final version of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 declaring the American colonies’ official independence from Great Britain. Congress established Independence Day as a holiday in 1870 and in 1938 Congress reaffirmed it as a paid holiday for federal employees. Today, communities across our nation mark this as a major summer holiday.
Using “independence” as this month’s theme, persons were asked to respond to the prompt: ‘What Do You Want to Declare Independence From’ and then provide their declaration of independence. The responses have been personal and candid. This week’s Declarations are first from a 17-year old young man, secondly, a retired school teacher, and finally from a female member of the clergy. Due to the frankness of the responses, respondents are being identified by either initials or a pseudonym.
Too many of us today live by what society tells us is okay. While we need a certain amount of social conformity, our lives are ours to live, and we don’t need others dictating how and when to operate. For this reason, we as human beings need to break out of the “societal chains” and dare to dream, dare to aspire. Everyone has a right to a dream, and we can fulfill those dreams by challenging ourselves and being unafraid to go against the grain.
Life is too short for us to live it regretting what we could not do or what could have been. Whether there is something that you want to do, places that you want to go, or knowledge that you want to acquire, you have to take the action to make it a reality. We cannot take for granted our time on this earth, so take the initiative to reach your goals before your time expires. My Declaration of Independence allows me the freedom to pursue my aspirations as well as the freedom to achieve them for as long as I am alive! – JN
I am freeing myself from my insecurity about the lack of knowledge of God’s Word. I need to free myself from the shame that I don’t always understand the sermon on Sunday mornings. I will continue to express my gratefulness to God every morning and evening as I become more comfortable in prayer and in my relationship with the Lord.
– Thanking Him Everyday
I want to declare my independence from fear of being in the spotlight. When I was in school one of the most difficult things for me was standing before my classmates to give recitals or reports. I have always had this issue with the fear of presenting in front of groups of people. Fear of making an error in my speaking, mispronunciations of words and fear of the audience observing my nervousness. I have always felt comfortable working in the background. As I stand for God, I realize that I will make mistakes, and that I will not always be perfect. I can’t continue worrying about how others receive me. Scripture tells me that “For God has not given us the spirit fear, but of power and love, and of sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7. Yes, I am working to gain my independence!
– Trusting God
Next Week: Series Conclusion
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