The birth cry of Freedom heard so loudly at first

from a baby delivered in pain

can’t be heard by deaf ears in a nation at risk

that ignores those first sounds to its shame.

What once moved us with passion in decades long past

doesn’t grip us the way that it did.

Seems our hearts rarely race while saluting the flag

like when pledging allegiance as kids.

And the right to assemble, to worship and vote

has become commonplace in our minds.

To the fact that we’re privileged to do what we do

we’re clueless and too often blind.

We all take wealth for granted. We think we’re still poor.

We forget that most all of the earth

tends to struggle with basics to just stay alive

while we minimize what we are worth.

It seems we have forgotten the Fourth of July

isn’t just an excuse to have fun.

In addition to hot dogs and cold Mac and Jacks

on the lake in the warm summer sun,

we have good cause to gather with family and friends

and thank God for the land of the free,

for all veterans who served to assure us the right

to both practice and prize liberty.

For the numberless options and chances to choose

where to live, what to eat and to wear,

for the laws that protect us from what is corrupt

and that shield us from what isn’t fair.

For the peace on our home front and allies abroad

and for soldiers who willingly fight

against forces of terror with suicide bombs

who are dead-set against human rights.

Let us thank God for Freedom birthed so long ago

and the labor preceding her cry.

Let us ask Him to help us again hear her voice

amid fireworks in the night sky.

Pastor Greg Asimakoupoulos is the head of the Mercer Island Covenant Church and a regular contributor to the Reporter.