As I sat in church this morning I considered how much better I felt after I attended. Church is the bright spot and the place of rest for the weary soul. Church keeps me on track and reminds me of my Christian Walk for over 50 years.

Faith is a lifetime thing… no retirement. It has been a compass for me and a light that Hank Williams sang about when he sang,’ I saw the light…I saw the light…no more darkness no more night. Now I am so happy not trouble in sight…praise the Lord I saw the light.’

Hope and Faith are more deeply felt when they are shared with others. To hear the voices of your fellow travelers singing and sharing their faith is a special gift. We are not alone…we have never been alone…a comfort in a lonely world.

Religious Freedom is not free. It cost the ultimate sacrifice of many people. This morning Carlyn sang America The Beautiful and I reflected on the 4th of July…Independence Day means to me. The freedom to worship as we please is a tremendous freedom!

What does Independence Day mean to African Americans? Brought to this country against their will as slaves in the hold of massive sailing ships. Owned as property and beaten and raped and abused in every fashion…and yet they love the United States.

What does Independence Day mean to the Gay Community? Hidden for who they are and who they love…for generations…and yet they love the United States.

What doe Independence Day mean to the Native Americans who welcomed us Europeans and helped us and kept us alive and fed us…and we repaid them by taking their land and slaughtering their people…and yet they love the United States.

What does Independence Day mean to the Poor Whites…of which there are many. People who can not catch a break in our Capitalist Economy which has heavy locks on the entrance doors to the Great Unwashed and unlearned and unheard and marginalized and those who are unseen even though we have to step over them to enjoy our Independence Day Holiday…