July 2020

Although our U.S. Independence Day is celebrated on the Fourth of July, Congress had actually voted on July 2^nd.  The completely signed Declaration of Independence didn’t happen until August that year.  Here are some questions related to our national holiday.

(1)  The Declaration of Independence details a long list of complaints against which king?

(2)    Which 20th-century U.S. President made Independence Day a paid federal holiday?   

(3)  In 1814 a lawyer named Francis Scott Key wrote the poem ‘Defense of Fort M’Henry’, which later became the lyrics to the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’.  He was inspired by the flag that was waving over the fort.  How many stars were on that flag (because that’s how many states there were at the time)?

(4)  The movie ‘Independence Day’ opened the Fourth of July weekend of what year?

(5)  Fireworks were used to commemorate Independence Day as early as 1777.  Today, what U.S. company is the largest consumer of fireworks? 

(6)  Three U.S. Presidents died on the Fourth of July, and another one was born on the day.  Name all four.

Answers for June

(1)  Wile E. Coyote

(2)  Goofy

(3)  Ub Iwerks

(4)  Hannah-Barbera

(5)  Hoppy

(6)  Velma 

The events of the past few weeks have left us seeking answers. Demands for justice and change once again reverberate from shore to shore and echo around the globe.  “Why does this keep happening?” people ask, or in the words of Rodney King, “Why can’t we all just get along?”

The truth is, all the problems we face in our world today all begin from the same source as they have since the beginning of humanity. The story of human history, even with all of our most noble efforts to overcome our shortcomings, has always been, and is still, a record of falling short of the ultimate goal of universal acceptance, peace, and love.

The record of early history, as recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible, was given to humankind to reveal that truth; that we are simply incapable of “doing it on our own.” We have a fatal flaw that continues to trip us up, regardless of our best intentions. Yet still, after thousands of years, we continue to try and try, ever failing, again, and again, and again.

After all this time, after failure upon failure, perhaps it’s time to recognize our innate character disability and seek another path. As often attributed to the modern era’s most prominent scientist, Albert Einstein, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”

What if the answer to our long-standing conundrum is readily available and free for the taking? Could it be that it is simply hiding in plain sight? If so, what is it that prevents us from recognizing it?

What prevents us, sadly, is quite simple—human pride. It is our belief in our selves; in our abilities, reasoning skills, and so-called knowledge, that keep us from recognizing our fatal flaw. We just can’t get out our own way; we are not able to emerge from the shadow cast by pride, long enough to see the light of truth.

Are we—are you—weary of the battle of good vs. evil? Can we—can you—put aside pride long enough to admit, perhaps, that there exists a hidden, dark region, however small or significant it may be, that has kept you separated from God; He who loves you above all else? Feelings of shame, guilt, anger, envy, or hatred, are just some of the offspring of our brokenness—what we call “sin”—with pride being the parent and guardian of our self-imposed prison of darkness.      

Two thousand years ago, a man emerged unlike any other before or since, with one objective—to provide a way out of that prison that binds us. He was not a profit or a sage as some today claim, but God in the flesh, offering every person, albeit undeserving, the gift of forgiveness for all of our iniquities, and life eternal as originally intended.

“So, what’s the catch?” you ask, “How can it be so easy?” Apparently, it is not easy at all because many reject the very thought of accepting His gift. Could it be that one’s pride is so overpowering as to make a fully-functioning, rational adult reject the gift of freedom from bondage? Indeed, that is the rule, not the exception.

The answer to all of huamanity’s troubles is but a decision away for every person. Today, that answer beckons; in fact, it now pleads, “believe!”

Even after more than 2000 years of repeated failure, He still loves you and has not given up on you! Leave your small, useless human pride behind and have the courage to accept His personal invitation to a life of freedom, peace, and love. He is the only answer; the only way.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ~ John 14:6

“But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:32-33