July is here, and our littles are just the right age to be mesmerized (and terrified) by the boom of fireworks echoing down our street.

They’ve been counting down the days until July 4th. Independence Day.

And I know we have much to celebrate.

We honor the brave heroes who’ve fought and served and have given their all for the freedoms we want all people to enjoy. And we remain in prayer for the heroes and their families who still sacrifice for those freedoms today:

Freedom to gather at the church to worship.

Freedom to blaze our own trails as entrepreneurs.

Freedom to speak up and out against injustice.

And although I’ve recently struggled to see much unity in our American culture, I am challenged to be a citizen who uses my voice for good and a parent who uses my time to teach my family to do better.

And use my heart to act on my beliefs, my values and my mission to share the good news of restoration with a state, and a country, and a world that need it.

Friends, we can’t let the actions of some Americans overshadow the heart of our county.

It is a gorgeous country.

It’s ripe for revival.

It’s full of opportunity to improve lives and unite us together as that one nation, under the God we trust.

So join me in stepping up to be the positive change this country needs.

And not let our prayers be partisan.

But let our actions influence others and scatter seeds of hope all over this American soil.

Let us defend what is right.

And remember the King we serve is not of this world. He is our Risen King Jesus.

We love and pray for our brothers and sisters all around the globe.

We are still focused on liberty and justice for all.

And we’re still proud to be Americans.

❤️🇺🇸❤️