LIFE RIGHT NOW ◽ YOU
Stars & Stripes
by Jennifer Stephens
It’s the grinding rhythm of homemade ice cream churning around and around. It’s the burst of colors exploding in the sky above. It’s red, it’s white, it’s blue - the stars and the stripes. It’s America and it’s the 4th of July! And this year it’s extra special as we celebrate the semi-quincentennial – 250 years of independence from the rule of King George III. The day we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
We’ll devour grilled hot dogs, watch vintage firetrucks and high school marching bands parade through the streets. We’ll gather with family and friends at the lake or backyard parties. It’s also the perfect time to reflect on the rights and responsibilities that accompany the freedom we often take for granted.
When I was a first-grade teacher, we always spent time in our classroom learning the importance of being a good citizen. We learned about the United States flag. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance every single day. And we learned how to be contributing members of society.
As good citizens we follow a social contract. We respect laws. We vote. We support our community through volunteerism, protecting the environment, and being a good neighbor. Kids learn these behaviors through watching the adults around them. How can we be adults worth watching? Be a role model. When kids see their parents treat others with respect, they learn to be respectful. Follow the rules (stop at stop signs, return the shopping cart) and explain why rules and laws exist – to keep us safe. Volunteer at the local food pantry or animal shelter. This develops empathy. Pick up litter. Join a civic club. Teach children to be good neighbors. Explain boundaries and let them know they shouldn’t wander onto neighbor’s property uninvited. Teach kids the art of conversation – making eye contact and listening to others. Children who learn to be good citizens become adults who are good citizens.
On the fourth of July we celebrate American freedom. We eat the food, watch the parades, and gather together. We’re reminded of our civic duties. Let’s remember every day that the freedom we’re celebrating includes honoring our social contract to be good citizens. Theodore Roosevelt said, “The first requisite of a good citizen in this Republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his own weight; that he shall not be a mere passenger, but shall do his share in the work that each generation of us finds ready to hand; and, furthermore, that in doing his work he shall show, not only the capacity for sturdy self-help, but also self-respecting regard for the rights of others.”
Because we are one nation, under God.
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities.
For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.
So, anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted,
and they will be punished.”
Romans 13:1-2
“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
2 Corinthians 3:17