Another Year of Choices
By Barbara Dahlgren
Jubilate is another way to say celebrate a joyful occasion. Believe it or not, God loves to jubilate! He is a God of joy. The scriptures are full of exhortations to rejoice. (Psalm 118:24; Philippians 4:4) The scriptures are full of celebrations. God likes a little singing (Ephesians 5:29, James 5:13), a little dancing (Psalm 149:3; Ecclesiastes 3:4), a little shouting (Isaiah 12:6; Psalm 47:1), and a lot of laughter (Proverbs 17:22; Psalm 126:2). So, I’m sure he delights in Fourth of July festivities.
Proverbs 22:28 says that it’s good to remember historical landmarks and the Fourth of July would certainly qualify. It commemorates our Declaration of Independence from England and the birth of democracy in our great land. This major holiday represents the land of the free and the home of the brave – which are blessings from God.
We are a diverse nation consisting of many cultures. People flock to the United States seeking the “America dream.” They are drawn to a land froth with opportunities and possibilities because of the freedoms offered. Freedoms many of us who were born here take for granted.
Now everyone jubilates in different ways. Personally, I like to annoy people with obscure facts. So here’s a little patriotic quiz and some trivia guaranteed to irk or bore your friends and family – my idea of a good time!
What is our National Anthem?
It’s the Star Spangled Banner. Although you have to be an operatic student to be able to sing it and do it justice when you hit “and the rockets’ red glare…” Of course we all chime in when we get to “and the home of the brave.” That’s because we know it’s over so we can take a deep breath and sit down.
What is our National Bird?
It’s the bald eagle. We all know Benjamin Franklin lobbied for the turkey but lost to a more majestic creature. The bald eagle was chosen for its strength, long life, and supposedly during some battle in the Revolutionary War a nest of them awoke, shrieked loudly, and soared overhead. Fortunately, turkeys don’t soar or we would be having chicken every Thanksgiving.
What is our National Flower?
It’s the rose. In 1986 Congress passed a joint resolution and President Reagan signed a proclamation to make the rose our “national floral emblem.” Poetic justice probably dictates a flower with beauty and thorns was chosen. Freedoms do not come easily.
Obscure Fourth of July Trivia
The following people were born on the Fourth of July: composer Stephen Foster, playwright Neil Simon, advice columnists Ann Landers and Dear Abby, President Calvin Coolidge, author Nathaniel Hawthorne, Yankee Doodle Dandy’s George M. Cohan, and Tom Cruise.
(Actually Tom Cruise was born on July 3 but he did star in the movie Born on the Fourth of July so I thought he deserved an honorable mention.) And let’s not forget Louis Armstrong who celebrated his birthday on July 4 even though he was actually born on August 4. That patriotic little Satchmo!
Three presidents died on July 4: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe.
On July 4, 1876 Susan B. Anthony read the Declaration of Rights for Women at Freedom Hall in Philadelphia.
On July 4, 1881 Booker T. Washington opened the Tuskegee Institute.
On July 4, 1882 Buffalo Bill opened his Wild West Show and toured the country for 35 years.
On July 4, 1895 America the Beautiful was first printed. (A mighty fine, patriotic song in a singable key, I might mention.)
On July 4, 1884 France gave the Statue of Liberty to the U.S.
And my personal favorite, on July 4, 1778 George Washington helped the nation celebrate by giving double portions of rum to the troops, which in my opinion is a grand way to celebrate a birthday!
Consider this… As we eat barbecue and watch fireworks this year, let’s remember the United States of America is more than a song, a bird, a flower, or trivia to be forgotten. In fact, there is nothing trivial about this great country of ours or what it represents. Dreams! Ideas! Blessings! Freedom!
So Happy Birthday to US! And may God continue to bless America, stand beside her, and guide her…our home, sweet home! (Which is another mighty fine, patriotic, inspirational song in a singable key, I might mention!)
Suggestions for practicing this choice…
- We ask God to bless America. He has! Make a list of at least seven blessings we have here that other countries don’t have.
- John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Try to think of ways you can be a better U.S. citizen.
- Read this passage often and think about the privilege of living in the United States of America. 1 Timothy 2:1-3: “Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and the giving of thanks be made for all men – for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”
- Display a U.S. flag. There’s nothing wrong with having the right kind of pride in being an American.
- Think about attending a fireworks presentation. Sure it’s a hassle getting everyone in the car, hauling the folding lawn chairs, finding a good spot, parking, and inching your way in traffic when everyone leaves – but little kids love it. Big kids love it, too! It doesn’t hurt to be a big kid once in a while. All kids love to jubilate!
