Happy 247th birthday, America!
Even with all its faults and problems, I believe America is still the best place on earth to live. I’m so thankful to be here, so thankful for all the men and women — past, present, and future — who protect us and fight for our freedom.
As with many holidays, music is entrenched in what I associate with July 4.
So many patriotic songs celebrating America have been written over the years.
Though they’re not the National Anthem, two of my favorites (for the images they paint and for their singability 😉) have always been “My Country, ‘tis of Thee” and “America, the Beautiful.”
From “My Country, ‘tis of Thee” (also known as “America”):
My country, ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
~ Samuel Francis Smith, 1831
From “America, the Beautiful” (first written as a poem called “Pike’s Peak” published July 4, 1895):
O beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain,
For purple mountains’ majesty, across the fruited plains,
America, America, God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
~ Katharine Lee Bates, 1895 (poem) and 1910 (first time with music)
And, of course, it’s hard to beat Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” and the pride and camaraderie it evokes. Have you ever been somewhere it was played and not heard people joining in? My guess is, probably not.
God has blessed us in so many ways. May we continue to seek and honor Him, and pray that He continues to bless this incredible country.
Your turn: What is your prayer for America today? Or, what is your favorite song about America? Share your thoughts below to encourage someone else.
As with many holidays, music is entrenched in what we might associate with July 4. What’s your favorite song about America? #livinginfaith #GodblessAmerica Click To Tweet
Leigh, all these songs are among my favorites. They bring chills whenever I hear them. Thanks for sharing this celebration of America’s birthday.
Barbara, there are some songs that stir the soul no matter how many times we hear them, aren’t there? Thanks for celebrating with us. Blessings on the rest of your week, my friend.
Wonderful selection of songs ma’am. As for my prayer for America today, it’ll be the same one I pray every day. “Our nation needs to return to its founding principles. Pray for our leaders (at all levels), our military, our judges, our schools, and our churches. Pray most of all for the people of this nation; that we return to godliness and righteousness. Help our righteous remnant remain strong and vibrant Lord. Pray for renewal and revival to continue spreading across this nation. It is from renewal of Your saints that revival can have its effect on bringing more to Christ.”
Amen to every bit of that prayer, JD! I especially love your plea for the righteous remnant, that we remain strong and vibrant. Let it be so, sweet Lord! Thanks for stopping by and for blessing us with that.