Do you know who Lee Greenwood is? He wrote and recorded the song “God Bless the U.S.A..” This song has had a significant influence on my life. As a kid, I remember singing it in the back seat of the 1984 Mercury Cougar my parent bought new at Cogswell Motors in Russellville, AR.
The song gained success in 1984 when it was first released and became popular again during the Gulf War in 1991, then again after the attacks on September 11, 2001. The song has lifted his head over and over in my life. The lyrics spur up patriotism, dedication, and thankfulness for all things American. The song sings, “I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free. It is this freedom that I am thankful for today. I’ve listened to it already this morning.
Today, I’m thankful for the freedom to write my name down. I’m thankful I can cast my vote for my voice to be heard in the government under which I live. I do not place all my eggs in one basket, nor do I believe that if the results are contrary to how I desire that the country will be dismantled the next day. That would be a short-sighted view, and as a Christian, I am challenged to see things more long term.
In this month of giving thanks and our dedication to being thankful to God year-round, I am grateful for so many things. Specifically, today, on election day, I am thankful for the right to vote. Because I live in a free democratic system where men and women of all backgrounds and situations can let their voices be heard, too.
I am thankful for the freedom of religion. I am thankful for the church and for the One who reminds me that no matter what happens on here earth or in the U.S.A., there is more to life than what I see around me. And, I’ll gladly stand up next to you and defend Him still today.
Say a prayer of thanksgiving for your freedom to vote today.
I love you,
Alexander