By Heidi Harvey
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! ~ Psalm 33:12
I love patriotic music! It fills me with wonderful memories of many Fourth of July celebrations on the lake, in full red-white-and-blue costumes, dancing in the sunshine as it sparkled off the water, my family and friends gathered nearby waving flags. Perfect summer days.
I love patriotic music because of the deep unending pride that wells up in my soul for so many family members, friends, and strangers who have served this amazing country, those who are currently serving, and all who will follow. Patriotic music has always tugged at my heartstrings, and I struggle to get through most of the songs without tears.
I love it because it reminds me of how great it is to live in America—the land of the free because of the brave. It helps me stand in awe of the sheer beauty of our spacious skies, amber waves of grain, purple mountains, and especially the lakes of Minnesota!
I love knowing our country started by asking for God’s grace to be shed on it—where His good, brotherhood, and self-control were longed-for values. Where together we fought for freedom and pledged liberty and justice for all. Yet sometimes our nation’s greatness seems on the verge of being lost—this love for our land and our neighbor. Like the heroes of the past, we can still fight for it, begging God to stand beside her and guide her, our home sweet home!
Prayer
God, we give You this amazing country and thank You for the blessing to live here. Bless those who fight for our freedom. Help us remember that with liberty comes responsibility.
Call to Action
Today, listen deeply to a patriotic song such as “America the Beautiful” (all the verses!) and cherish what it means to be a proud American.
*This Land That I Love—along with the Prayer, and Call to Action from WINE’s new Called By Name Devotional (Ave Maria Press, 2021) To purchase the book and amazing book bundle, which includes a journal, bookmark, and stickers, visit the WINE Shop.
© 2021 WINE — All Rights Reserved
About the Author:
Heidi Harvey is a Blue Star Mom with a warrior’s heart. She and her Veteran husband Dave have a blended family of 5 and live in Minnesota. Heidi Harvey is a graduate of Franciscan University. She loves the Holy Spirit and is constantly amazed at God’s mercy and healing power.
Thank you, Heidi, for your reflection. I am proud to be an American. My family and I came to the United States almost 70 years ago and there have been no regrets. God Bless, America.
Thank you Ruth! That is fantastic! What a beautiful testimony! May God continue to shed His grace on you and all your loved ones! 🙂 Heidi
Thank you, Heidi, for this reflection. I am proud to be an American. My family and I came to the United States almost 70 years ago.
God Bless, America!
So proud of you, Heidi! Thanks for acting on the prompting of the Holy Spirit!
Thanks Kathy! 🙂 What an honor and a privilege it is to be able to “work in the vineyard” with so many fabulous faithful women! God Bless you!! Heidi
Really wonderful, Heidi! Thank you for sharing your gift of writing with all! God is Good and faithful!
️Mary
Thanks Mary!! It was a fun one to write and to ponder more deeply how blessed we are as Americans! God is so good and so faithful – thankful for your witness as well! Many Blessings, my friend! Heidi