I’m Thankful for My Country by Laura Hodges Poole
I’m Thankful For My Country
“Following a resolution of Congress, President George Washington proclaimed Thursday the 26th of November 1789 a day of ‘public thanksgiving and prayer’ devoted to ‘the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.’” (Heritage.org)
Of all the countries I could’ve been born in, God chose America as my birthplace. I’m thankful for this. Even while Christian values are under attack in this country, we don’t face the persecution others do around the world. We enjoy religious liberty along with many other freedoms. Our forefathers ensured this when they drew up The Constitution.
George Washington’s proclamation of a public day of prayer is still celebrated two centuries later. As we bow our heads on Thursday to give thanks, pause for a moment to consider just how much we have to be thankful for as Americans: clean water, regular meals, roofs over our heads, clothes on our backs, and freedom of choice when it comes to careers, spouses, and pretty much everything. Many folks in the world don’t have these luxuries. And yes, many would consider what we take for granted to be luxuries.
I’m not discounting the problems and social ills of our country. Millions are homeless or barely getting by, and laws have increasingly eroded traditional values in the last half-century. In a time when American bashing is popular, the irony is that much of it comes from within.
Yet, we must remember God chose the exact time and place for each of us to be born. If you’re an American, that was your destiny. Just like your own family may be dysfunctional, (and Thanksgiving often shines a light on this in family gatherings), the strength of the American spirit is to pull together to accomplish worthwhile things.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48b
As we give thanks to the Creator and Sustainer of life, the Author of our days, and the One who predestined us for good in His service, the thought to remember is—if we want America to return to the message of hope—hope for salvation through Christ Jesus—we must determine to be about God’s Kingdom in the days ahead.
We would be well served to encourage those working to bring revival to our land, rescue our country from the naysayers and evil forces that permeate our ranks, and restore the honor our forefathers envisioned for Americans. That is the one way to truly show our gratitude for the blessings of being born in this land of plenty—blessings that come from God alone. While we’re giving thanks for these blessings, join me in also praying for our nation.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Laura Hodges Poole is a freelance writer with dozens of articles, devotions, and short stories in publication. She is a 2014 ACFW Genesis semi-finalist and a 2012 RWA Emily finalist in Christian fiction. Laura is also a non-fiction ghostwriter/collaborator. Her passion is encouraging others in their Christian walk through her blog, “A Word of Encouragement.” She may be contacted at laurapoole565@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @ Laura_Poole and like her Facebook page. Her Christmas novella, “A Christmas Chance,” is available on Amazon. Her upcoming devotional, “While I’m Waiting,” will release in January 2015.
