Today, I was thinking about the 4th of July. I was thinking about what it means. I started to think about the PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands: one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

I decided to break it down part by part, and think of it's meaning.

I PLEDGE: A pledge is a formal promise, almost like a vow.
ALLEGIANCE: Our Loyalty
TO THE FLAG: to the symbol
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: our country
AND TO THE REPUBLIC: Our government
FOR WHICH IT STANDS: To which the flag represents

Now wait a minute! I think I'm saying, "I promise my loyalty, to the symbol and the government of my country. (Why do we destroy it so often then?)

ONE NATION UNDER GOD: This nation (government) is under God's guidance.
INDIVISIBLE: Incapable of division
WITH LIBERTY: With the right or act to believe as we wish
AND JUSTICE: treatment in fairness
FOR ALL: Everyone!!!

You know, I don't hear this said much anymore. I wish, I would. Too many people say it so monotone, and they don't act like they have any real interest in it.

Our flag is a symbol of the government of our country, which is a nation under God, incapable of division, with the right to act as we believe and treat everyone fairly. On this 4th of July, let us keep the promise we have made to our flag, and to our country, in front of our God.

Lord, You have given me a great country. Please help me to show others to respect our country and all it stands for. May it always stay under Your guidance, incapable of division, with the right to act as we wish in a fair and just manner for everyone. AMEN.

Devotion by Mary Bronson, aka SlimMary, July 3, 2000