This Independence Day, Proudly Give Thanks for the Blessing of Living in America—and Pray for Christians Whose Freedom Is Being Denied

After America declared its independence from Great Britain, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail, sharing his belief that the day was worthy of annual celebration:

I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

Mr. Adams would be very happy this weekend, as on Friday, our great nation will do just that for the 249th time—maybe with fewer “shews” and more hot dogs—as we celebrate the hard-won independence our forefathers fought and died to secure for us.

Independence Day has always held special meaning for our family. My great-grandfather came to the United States at the age of 14 to escape religious persecution. He arrived legally through Ellis Island and worked as a fruit peddler to build a new life for himself and his family—the true American immigrant story.

He was grateful for the opportunities America afforded him and raised his family to feel the same. We will never be ashamed to be Americans, and we proudly give thanks for the blessing of living in this country.

As believers, it is also our responsibility to defend religious freedom for all people—whether in courtrooms, on Capitol Hill, or at the United Nations—especially in defense of persecuted Christians.

As we celebrate our independence with family and friends, let us not forget to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are being targeted, abused, and even killed for their faith around the globe. We’re fighting on Capitol Hill and at the United Nations to save their lives. No one should live in a country where their faith makes them a target.

There is still a lot of work ahead and so much at stake. But we remain true to our ideals, our faith, our love of freedom, and our God-given right to love our neighbors and build communities that are safer, stronger, and free—for generations to come.

This Independence Day, give thanks for the blessing of living in America, and pray for believers around the world who are being denied their most basic, God-given rights. We are not ashamed to say we love this country and thank God for our bold forefathers who forged and fought for our freedoms.

God bless you, and God bless America.

Happy Independence Day!