To Lead A Revolt

240 Years Ago on July 4th, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. In August of that same year 56 men aged 26 – 70 put their lives on the line and signed the document. John Hancock made sure King George would not need his spectacles to read his signature.

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”

It seems popular to talk about being leaders of change but most of what we call “change” pales in comparison to what these men did. They risked more than just failure of an organization or the loss of a job; they risked their very lives. They were not alone though. Thousands of men (and many women in support) would fill the ranks of the Continental Army.  Signing parchment was painless but it would take eight long years (1775-1783) of war against the super power of the day to seal our Independence. Exact number of those who gave their life is unknown. Approximately 6000 would die in battle while another 12,000+ would die due to starvation and disease.

Great Change requires Great Risk

Early on, the Continental Army was outnumbered, poorly supplied (arms, food and clothing) yet somehow they pressed on.  How is it that even after losing battle after battle did they continue to press on for the cause? 

They made their decision, then paid the cost to see it through!

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed….”

At just 240 years our nation is still just an infant. Sadly, with the passage of time it is easy to forget the cause and the incredible sacrifice that lead to our independence.

“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” – Benjamin Franklin

Today as we fire up the grill or sit on the beach may we take a moment to pause and remember the foundation that was laid for our great nation. No, we were not perfect then and we are not perfect now. We still have many struggles to overcome. Yet look how far we have come.

I pray that we will find the unity and the will required to keep our great nation moving forward.

Wishing you all a Happy Independence Day!!

How can I pray for you this week? – click here to send me your request

Be sure and subscribe to my YouTube Channel

P.S. Don’t miss out. Sign up for free updates. Then be sure and connect on Facebook!

http://www.history.com/news/9-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-declaration-of-independence

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Revolutionary_War

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html

About the Author: Jon Stallings

I am enthusiastic about helping others discover their purpose and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is great to see their eyes light up at their “Ah Ha!” moment when they discover they were created for something more. My hope is that this blog will help encourage and inspire you along your way. Join the conversation and take the time to share with me your own story. I have been married to my beautiful wife Janice for over 30 years. We currently live in McDonough Georgia with our daughter. Our two boys have left the nest and we have two wonderful grand kids. Of course we cannot forget about our dog Bear.