Restoring the American Story

I’ve always loved the Fourth of July. In addition to the patriotism, picnics, and fireworks, I appreciate the opportunity to reflect upon everything that makes American history and influence unique in the world.

As you know, this very special Independence Day marks 250 years since our Founders signed the Declaration of Independence. Many of our fellow Americans, however, do not know the truth about our story. In some circles it’s even become fashionable to suggest that the United States was founded upon the institution of slavery. I believe those fueling these distortions have lost touch with the truth.

Even Christians have been deceived by those who desire to replace our God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness with a secular version of “human rights” leading to state control. History has shown us that the more people surrender their God-given freedoms to the state, nations become increasingly trapped in oppression, squander, and poverty for everyone except top state officials and their accomplices. 

Restoring the American story 

Nearly 250 years ago, the United States was born as “One Nation Under God,” and I praise Him for the strong faith foundation laid for us by our ancestors. The more I learn about our history, the more I appreciate our country and want to pass that torch of understanding to those who live here. I trust many of you feel the same way.

That does not mean I want to ignore the sinful, wrong-headed things we’ve done throughout history. I want to learn from our failures as I celebrate and reflect upon the ways God has blessed America through our dependence upon Christ.

One of my favorite Fourth of July memories was hosting some new church friends who had moved here from Brazil. Celebrating the Fourth was a whole new experience for them, so I read aloud the Declaration of Independence at our gathering. I really wanted them to understand a little more about what this holiday means to Americans.

This year I proposed to my church that we host a fun, educational event to celebrate this special Fourth with our local community and teach the truth about American history. If you have not made plans for the holiday yet, I encourage you to start praying now about how God wants you to celebrate America’s 250th in service to your community. Maybe you can support a Christian outreach in your area, plan an educational activity in your neighborhood, or infuse your own Fourth of July tradition with a little more meaning.

There are so many amazing resources out there to share with your family, friends, and church community. I found lots of fun, educational videos created by Hillsdale College in collaboration with the Freedom 250 White House committee. Prager University also offers lots of great materials, especially for kids. Below you’ll find a list of my favorites so far. I hope these resources come in handy as you make your own plans. 

Videos: 
· Declaration spoken by ancestors of signers (by ancestry.com)   
· Freedom 250
· The Pilgrim’s Formula to Save America! Kirk Cameron at Monumental
· Downloadable White House Founders Museum
· Schoolhouse Rock (Sing along with me!!)  

No More Kings 
Fireworks
Shot Heard Round the World  
Three Ring Government 
Melting Pot  
I’m Just a Bill
The Preamble

Kids Curriculum and Resources: 
· NotGrass History curriculum: USA 250 flashcards, word searches and more  
· Prager U books, videos, quizzes, and more   
· Wallbuilders resources for the whole family 
· Freedom Truck Mobile Museums – Six mobile museums, known as “Freedom Trucks,” are crisscrossing the country through the end of the year, bringing the story of American independence to a city near you. See official dates and locations here. You can even submit a request for a Freedom Truck to come to your community.