Independence Day

I have to confess that most of my July Fourths have come and gone without much thought about its meaning. But this summer, as our family expectantly waits to bring home Velo, the idea of his "independence" is in my thoughts. He cannot even be aware of the freedom that waits for him: his freedom from sickness (or at least access to prevent or treat it); his freedom from a lack of opportunity; It is my prayer that regardless of what Velo grows up to be and accomplish, that his homeland will be healed and that the Haitian people will have their own independence from these temporal afflictions. I am reminded too of our our ultimate independence that is untethered from the man-made structures and defects of our world -- freedom in and through Christ, the healer, who gives hope to all, regardless of the nation of their birth and life. Happy Independence Day!
DR