PASTOR'S PERSPECTIVE: REMEMBER, HONOR BIRTH OF NATION

As I write this I have two birthdays in mind. The first one is my newest son, Brandon's birthday June 22. I don't want to brag too much, but he was 8 lb. 10 oz. and 21 inches long. Everyone thinks he is as cute as his big brother Blake, 3. And many thing Blake favors me. Every dad wants to hear that!

My dear wife, Vera, paid a price to have this baby. We were at the hospital only minutes when the baby was born. No time for any pain medication and no doctor in sight. Only when the baby was already coming did one happen in.

Another birthday on my mind is the birthday of our nation. I love celebrating the birth of America, born on the Fourth of July. It is my belief that God formed this country for the good of its people. He wanted us to have certain freedoms in order to live good lives and serve him freely.

Our symbols of liberty are many. The Statue of Liberty stands in New York Harbor to welcome everyone to a free country. The Liberty Bell stands as a reminder that it once rang out liberty. Independence Hall is where George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson once debated and signed the Declaration of Independence. Our flag is a symbol to all of the suffering it took to keep our nation free. The early colonists paid a dear price for America to be born. It wasn't an easy birth. Since then, many patriots have fought and many died to keep our country free.

Let us not give in to groups that want to take our symbols of liberty, both American and Christian, out of the public square. It was Christian and God-fearing men who founded our country. The cross and the Bible were their ultimate symbols of liberty.

The evidence is overwhelming. Psalms 33:12 says, "Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord ..." Like the song says, "An old rugged cross is my statue of Liberty." I hope more Americans will also heed Proverbs 14:34, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."

I pray for God to continue his blessing on us as a nation. I also home that you will celebrate the birth of our country and thank him again for it. May God always bless the United States of America.

The Rev. Jeff Militti is pastor of Shawnee Hills Baptist Church in Jackson.