When I think of our nation’s Founding Fathers, I try to imagine myself amid those heated arguments and discussions that led to the signing of The Declaration of Independence. Although they disagreed at times, they still united around a Declaration written by Thomas Jefferson, with influences from John Hancock and Benjamin Franklin.
As Americans today, we must reflect on the respect that these men had for each other when drafting such a document. By disagreeing with respect, they were able to “agree to disagree” when necessary and still support the idea that Democracy was the only way for America to thrive. It took nearly a month for all 56 delegates of the Second Continental Congress to formally sign on. Two hundred and fifty years later, we must protect that democracy by respecting those who may not agree with us. Whatever political party we have, we must hold to the truth that we are “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Conversation Tips for Family and Friends
This July 4th, work to adhere to the following rules as you navigate conversations at social gatherings with family and friends who share vastly different political views.
- Seek Common Ground – Look for ideals that are shared by both parties, such as family, safety, education and what tomorrow may hold for children.
- Prioritize connection over persuasion.
- Strive to be an active listener and ask open-ended questions to understand shared values.
- Never forget to value the Human Being and not the ideology.
- Remind yourself that all communication must be respectful.
- Never discuss politics around those who are drinking or stressed.
- Know when to end the conversation peacefully. Think first about maintaining your relationships.
Always Remember to Give Thanks
I would also like to share a prayer of Thanksgiving.
Dear God,
Please renew in us the feelings of excitement that Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock and Benjamin Franklin had when toiling with the idea of a country based on Freedom and Faith.
Grant us unity, so that we may continue to be a powerful nation…not due to force, but by what we stand for as men and women.
As Dr. Martin Luther King stated, “let freedom ring.”
May we listen, learn and grow hand-in-hand as one.
Lord, be with us as we come together to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday. Protect America from divisions. Unify America and illuminate a light that will guide our leaders forward.
Help us to never take for granted the high cost that was paid to live as one nation under God. As Franklin Graham said, “Make us one nation under God who is thankful beyond measure and hopeful beyond imagination.”
Lord, help us to love our neighbors more than we love ourselves and live to build a better America for those yet to come.
Amen.
Concluding Thoughts
Second Corinthians 3:17 states, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
As a believer and mother of six children who all served in the armed forces, I firmly believe that freedom comes of the struggles of those who sacrificed before us.
Truly, we should work together as one. Despite our differences, we must stand together on July 4th, 2026, and give thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings he has bestowed upon America.
We must work to build a better America by putting differences aside and working together for those yet to come. We the people must stand first with gratitude, mercy, faith and forgiveness.
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