Growing up you don't put much thought into holidays. The first thing you thought of when somebody said Thanksgiving was food or Valentines Day was love or like this week, The Fourth of July, my kindergarten self would have said "fireworks!"

What does this 'holiday' mean to you? I personally can name a number of things but to keep it simple this holiday makes me feel blessed. Why? Because of the real reason for this special day. I'm not going to give you a history lesson so just bear with me here.

It was July 4th, 1776 when The 4th of July (better known as Independence Day) became one of the greatest days of celebration in history for our country. Before this day, a document was still being discussed, washed out, and rewritten that later would be the very Declaration of Independence to be signed and issued less than a month later by Thomas Jefferson and many others. After which they chose their day to celebrate what we now know as The Fourth of July. The document stated these very famous words.

'We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'

But that was not all of what the document declared. It excluded slavery. Jefferson was torn stating something to the fact that this would bring about a war to generation that follows. He was correct. A women's right to vote also followed after that Civil War. So what really came from The Declaration of Independence? The majority of it was written for the colonies to claim independence and separation from the British government in this new country they called America. A name that we tend to forget still holds meaning to many who have found refuge on soil that we take advantage of daily. So to them, America meant home, freedom and a new world where they can be free to live the lives they always dreamed of.

So what does being an American mean to you? While you wake up everyday going to a job that pays you, there is food within reach and you have freedom to speak or do whatever you please. Remember that on that day of August 2nd, 1776, The Declaration of Independence was signed separating our rights from Britain and freeing us to do whatever we chose to do. The life that was once dreamed of, now is a reality to all Americans today.

Now because of this, we as independent Americans hold the authority to our own futures. Whatever will it may come from. I believe that we all hold a responsibility to uphold the dignity of what our country was built on by these three things.

Number one is to vote. Our votes decide the next governor, senate, president... Etc. Not sitting and ignoring the polls or the fact that you hated who got last elected so you refuse to vote this time. Or if whoever is running in this election you hate because you think they are too inadequate. Well we need leaders and the only way someone wins is by who gets the most votes. Pretty simple, right?

Also number two is by praying. By praying for our government and this upcoming election. You may think that the two politicians are not who you'd like in the office but if you didn't vote in the primaries or don't plan to vote in this election then do you really have a say? Do you really expect America to just be as it is or better forever and ever without a single vote from you? I mean what kind of American are you if you are misusing your rights? Yes, our country was built on God and the four founding fathers but also on freedom of religion for all. That includes the future presidents. They aren't ALL going to be the perfect Christians we'd like to see and we are not going to know them all individually. We'll only get to see what is exploited about them on the television, CNN or the Internet. It's important to stay in tune but why let other human beings convince you to make a decision you can't make yourself? Are you aware that you're judging someone just as Christ says not to because I refuse to hold judgement against another human being if I think that their thoughts on religion or any other belief is imperfect. At least our current leaders acknowledge God. This is where praying comes in. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says,

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

If you're like me, then you'll have faith in knowing that our leaders are imperfect and that only God can steer us in the right direction but He cannot do work in this country unless we continue to pray over our nation and do our part as citizens.

And then number three would be to defend our country. When I think of the soldiers who have fought for our freedom or currently fighting for it, I think of this song called God Bless The U.S.A.

"If tomorrow all the things were gone


I worked for all my life


And I had to start again


With just my children and my wife


I thank my lucky stars


To be living here today


'Cause the flag still stands for freedom


And they can't take that away


And I'm proud to be an American


Where at least I know I'm free


And I won't forget the men who died


Who gave that right to me


And I'd gladly stand up next to you


And defend Her still today


'Cause there ain't no doubt


I love this land


God Bless the U.S.A.


From the lakes of Minnesota


To the hills of Tennessee


Across the plains of Texas


From sea to shining sea


From Detroit down to Houston


And New York to L.A.


Where's pride in every American heart


And it's time we stand and say


That I'm proud to be an American


Where at least I know I'm free


And I won't forget the men who died


Who gave that right to me


And I'd gladly stand up next to you


And defend Her still today


'Cause there ain't no doubt


I love this land


God Bless the U.S.A."


I also think of September 11th and all the horrific events we've had within our precious country. If you love this land then you should be grateful for those who fought for our freedom.

Now with everything I put out there, what does being an American truly mean to you? For me it is this... While I really am thankful to live in this country, I'm more thankful for my moral rights. In a country where I have the freedom to still hold individuality. And a strong Christian viewpoint because that's truly what our country was built on. Yes, not everybody who has lived or lives in this country is a believer but that has nothing to do with our roots. God blessed us with a nation with individual power. Don't ruin it by focusing on what the majority of this country nowadays believes that 'moral rights' are what we vote for. It's important to vote, that's the power in our American citizenship for our country but that doesn't change what YOU believe. It's not about who or what is popular. It's about defending our roots and upholding our countries integrity under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You want to make a better name for our country? Do something about it, go vote, stop complaining or fearing an outcome and be thankful that you live in a county that allows you to voice your opinions and have a say in matters that most nations don't allow their people to choose. Like Thomas Paine once said,

"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it."

So enjoy this holiday! Enjoy your fireworks and be surrounded by the ones you love in lightheartedness knowing that we are safe in this beautiful free country and tomorrow we can wake up with no limitation holding us back in the pursuit of happiness as an American citizen. God bless you all and God bless America!