The 4th of July has always been my favorite holiday. Of course, I love Christmas, the birth of Christ. Of course, I love Easter, the resurrection. I also really love the family togetherness and gratitude that comes with Thanksgiving.

But the 4th of July. To me, it is magical. I was raised in a patriotic home. Raised to love and respect our country. Notice, I did not say any specific names of a party, a politician, or a specific leader. Raised to love and respect our country.

The 4th of July brings joy, celebration, creativity, and unity.

I remember, as a child, coming together at my aunt’s house for a massive display of fireworks, BBQ, and incredible cheer and laughter. There are so many fun memories.

I remember my parents complaining about leaders in our country, and I remember them loving leaders of our country. I believe that every generation has those they love, and those they don’t.

There have been many moments when I have wondered, why was I chosen to be born in this country? I have pondered that exact thought many times.

Have you ever thought about that? If you are American, you were born here. Did you know that out of every 100 babies born in the world, only about 3 are born in the United States? Read that again.

It was not an accident. Born American doesn’t make us better than any other person in the world, but it surely does bring purpose to our time and place. My deeply rooted convictions tell me that God chose me, and you, for this specific time and place.

“From one man he has made every nationality to live over the whole earth and has determined their appointed times and the boundaries of where they live. He did this so that they might seek God…” Acts 17:26–27 (CSB)

When you sit in, let that thought and that scripture simmer a bit; it is impossible to move forward without the deep awareness that you were born in this place, and in this era, for a reason.

“For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb… All my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began.” Psalm 139:13–16

“I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born…” Jeremiah 1:5

Today, as we celebrate the 250th birthday of our blessed country, please don’t forget that part. God knew you before you were born. He specifically chose you to be born here and during this time.

Yes, we have division. Yes, there very sadly is hatred. Yes, it can be kind of scary to think about what’s going on in our country right now and what our future may be like. But God has a plan for each and every single person. You have been given a blessing of being born here.

So many people have nasty, negative, terrible things to say about America – some who even live here. I find that the more I travel, the more I love this amazing country. Today, I am praying that each person reading this turns their eyes to look for the good. Look for the positive. Look for the liberty that does exist here.

Pray for America. Protect America.

“…Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14

It moved my heart to a new place of gratitude as I searched The Holy Bible for scripture to help me understand why. Why was I born here? Why am I American? The Bible doesn’t speak specifically about America, but that God chose you and me for where we are and when.

There is a reason for countries, boundaries, and differences. While we are all humans with many similarities, we also have differences.

“When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance and divided the human race, he established the boundaries of the peoples…” Deuteronomy 32:8

If He placed you here, He also entrusted you with the opportunities and responsibilities that come with living in this nation. This morning, on the 250th Birthday of our beloved country, I pray we each are considerate of one another, have pride in being Americans, love one another, and celebrate the freedom we enjoy in being chosen to live the red, white, and blue life.

The land of the free. The home of the brave.

God bless America.