Freedom—A Common Thread

by Sandra Gilmore

Do you recognize the tracks of a mountain lion rather than a bear? Can you distinguish a Monet from a Van Gogh? Can you spot authentic antiques from reproductions?

There are those who leave their mark on items or even situations to the point that the rest of us can spot them a mile away. When we know someone’s characteristics, we can know whether they have been there or not.

America’s roots have been under debate for quite a while. Are we a Christian nation or not?

Our Founding Fathers were a diverse group of folks. The common thread that I found in my research was: they were all clearly, boldly, without exception, human! They made mistakes. They made some sound decisions and made some impulsive ones. Some were outspoken believers in Jesus Christ, while others believed only that there was a Creator who guided us all while leaving the day-to-day operational decisions to us.

And yet, they agreed on freedom. They laid a foundation for future generations to live and to abide in freedom. Document after document either particularly cites or generally points to freedom. Our Founding Fathers were focused—pre-occupied even—by the concept of freedom. That context tells me the Holy Spirit was there indeed. In 2 Corinthians 3:17, we find: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Just like the distinct patterns of a footprint or the feathery edges of a Monet painting, freedom is a particular “characteristic of design” that the Holy Spirit has been there. By this, we know our nation was indeed created with Divine Providence. As we begin the month of November and national celebrations, let us consider our freedom. How can we pay tribute to our Founding Fathers for their deliberate effort to incorporate liberty into our nation’s foundation? May we all pray often for our troops and their families who give so much to protect our freedom. Amen!

About The Author Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website www.sandragilmore.org.