Before there was Independence Day
This past week, I had the opportunity to visit Williamsburg, Virginia and the museum commemorating the historic Jamestown Colony established in 1607. Like most students in American schools, I’ve studied the founding of the settlement at Jamestown and the hardships they endured. But I had forgotten how horrific those first years were for the colonists.
What was to become the United States of America more than a century and a half later was not the land of milk and honey for these brave settlers. After a long, crowded, and difficult journey across the Atlantic Ocean, the group suffered sickness, starvation, and death.
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. (Psalm 31:24)
But they didn’t give up
The settlers persevered–through cold winters, famine, conflict and continued hardship–they didn’t give up. They must have been terrified in this strange new land, seeking to establish a home amidst constant challenges–but they kept trying–they worked together–they had faith.
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust, I will not be afraid. (Psalm 56:3-4)
These brave people led the way for others to come. They are our forefathers and mothers. They worked together to establish roots in what was to become the United States of America.
I hope you will join me this July 4th and following to pause and be grateful for these early immigrants who paved the way for us to seek Independence almost 170 years later. We could not have achieved it without those who faced the unknown and bravely crossed the ocean.
Happy Independence Day, my friends. What can we do to preserve the freedom that these settlers and so many others worked for, fought for, and died for?
I pray we will thank our Father for blessing our nation and we will continue to ask for His guidance.
But, we have another calling, too.
We are called to guide others to a freedom even more important than our freedom as citizens of the United States. We are called to lead the way in spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Our Savior came to set us free from the bondage of sin and we are only truly free through Him.
Our true freedom is in Christ
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)
Katherine, thanks for this inspiring post. It is so important we don’t forget the roots we sprang from. God has blessed us,and we need to continue to follow Him to remain in these blessings. Happy Independence Day!
I agree, Barbara. Those brave men and women who set the foundation for our country and all who have worked and fought to preserve our freedom deserve our honor, praise and gratitude. I’m thankful for our Father’s blessings. Happy Independence Day to you and your family!
It’s hard for us to imagine such hardship in our days of relative comfort. Thanks for the retelling, Katherine. God bless! Happy Independence Day!
We are blessed not to have to endure the struggles of those early settlers. I pray we don’t become complacent and take our freedom and blessings for granted. Wishing you a joyful week!
What a great reminder of our inspiring history, Katherine. I appreciate how you sprinkled verses among the lines of the story. I think most of these intrepid people drew strength from the same Word. I pray that we would now live up to the ideals they espoused.
I join you in prayer, Annie. We owe much to the ones who came before us and enduring such hardship. Wishing you a week filled with joy and blessings!
I love Williamsburg and all it stands for and reminds us of. We’re so blessed that they persevered and helped establish the great country we live in today!
I’m a lover of history and historical sites, too, Leigh. I pray we always remember and honor those who sacrificed so that we have freedom and security. Wishing you a blessed week.
Such a powerful post Ms. Katherine; one that demands us to pause and consider the American freedoms we enjoy. I ask your forgiveness if I offend with this, but I think many may not even be award of our National Monument to our Forefathers. The centerpiece of this statue is called “Faith”, and it clearly shows what our nation is founded upon. I’m including the link here in case some might want to better understand this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id8mSrixCbc
As history has always taught us, when we forget our past, we make the same mistakes that cost us so greatly. I join you in praying that we do not sit idly by and let both our spiritual and American freedoms erode further. Instead, we must show by our example the strength of being governed by God and His word rather than the wiles of this world. God’s blessings; and Happy Independence Day dear friend. Thank you for the blessing today.
Thank you for letting us know about the Monument to our Forefathers and for adding the link to the video about it. How appropriate that she is called “Faith” and the four smaller monuments around her illustrate the importance of ideals we American hold as vital to our country. I pray we can learn from our mistakes and move forward in faith and love for our Father, fully submitted to and committed to Him in all things. Without Him, we have nothing that will last. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the reminder, Katherine. Blessings.
Thank you, Diana. Wishing you a blessed week.
You were in our neck of the woods. We spent July 4th at Monticello. It is so important to look back sometimes in order to anchor where “forward” takes us. Thanks for the reflection. There is much to be grateful for!
A great reminder that the freedom that really counts comes through Jesus alone.
A beautiful reminder of where true freedom comes from.
Thank you, Jen. I’m grateful for your encouragement. Wishing you a joy filled day!
This is such an interesting and inspiring post. The hardships our forefathers ensured are unimaginable to us and we need to be reminded and be grateful. You’ve done this.
Also to remind and proclaim the freedom we can have through the Gospel of Christ is of much greater value.
You are right, Connie. Even when reading a description of their hardships, we can’t really comprehend what those early settlers went through to set down roots in a new land. We are blessed by their bravery and perseverance, but our greatest gift is from our Father. May God continue to bless you in your service to Him.
And we think we have it hard today because someone disagrees with us!
With freedom comes much responsibility — to our country and to Jesus Christ, as you so aptly point out.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Gal. 5:13.
Happy Independence Day, Katherine!
We are called to serve! I hadn’t thought of that in this context. Thank you for that reminder, Candyce. Although they may not have realized it at the time, those early settlers were serving us by paving the way for all who came after. Thank you for sharing.
We spent a thanksgiving vacation at Williamsburg. I love all the history. As a immigrant to this country, I understand the difficulties in leaving a homeland and learning new ways. I am very thankful for my freedom in this country and in my Savior.
Yvonne, I’m sure you have a greater understanding of the importance immigrants have in our history. I’m so glad you came to join us here! Thank you for your witness for Jesus and your ministry of service. Wishing you joy and blessings
Great reminder of our heritage! thank you, Katherine!
Thank you, Kathy. Blessings!