July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of freedom for the United States of America. Widespread celebrations will ensue, but behind the festivities, fireworks, and food, is a history of hard-fought effort to gain and ensure liberty.
Freedom is something many of us take for granted. Having grown up in a country where freedoms are plentiful, we don’t realize how blessed we are. Yet, history speaks of hoofbeats, marching feet, drum and fife, gunshots, battles on foreign soil, bloodshed, and tolling bells. Freedom echoes down the portals of time, bouncing off the pages of history, and into the present.
Freedom Leaders
As a writer, I’ve always wondered what it was like to pen something as significant and monumental as the Declaration of Independence. Did Thomas Jefferson welcome the challenge? Did sentences form in his head faster than he could dip quill to ink pot? Or did he sit and ponder, staring at blank parchment as he considered the magnitude of what he was about to write.
Thomas Jefferson’s mother’s family were among the most prominent in Virginia. He studied at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg prior to beginning the practice of law. Jefferson entered the Virginia House of Burgesses just as the rumble of opposition to British taxation increased, and in 1774, he wrote a pamphlet about the rights of British Americans.
At the second Continental Congress, in June of 1776, Jefferson was appointed to a 5-member committee, along with John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman. Although an awkward speaker, Jefferson had already distinguished himself as a gifted writer and was chosen to draft the Declaration of Independence by the other committee members, who read, made suggestions, and agreed to the document before it was presented. Jefferson, however, was the primary author.
While the comparison may seem unlikely, Moses was also a freedom leader. Like Thomas Jefferson, he was a son of privilege, the adopted son of the Egyptian Pharaoh’s daughter. Both Jefferson and Moses had issues with verbal communication, but as is often the case, had strengths in other areas. Slavery is also a common thread: Jefferson owned slaves; Moses led slaves to freedom.
Protecting Religious Freedom
Faith is an integral component of freedom and forward motion. Our Founding Fathers risked much to secure the freedoms we enjoy today. But increasingly, religious freedom, the very reason many came to this country, is challenged in America. People of faith, who seek to uphold moral and religious values, are maligned and criticized.
It’s time for people of faith to lead the way, like freedom leaders before us, standing up for the religious liberty our forefathers fought so hard to secure.
The greatest liberty one can experience is the freedom to believe and receive salvation through Jesus Christ.
Freedom still rings loud and clear today. As we celebrate Independence Day, let’s remember and appreciate the sacrifices of so many, which make it possible for us to maintain freedom.
Cherish freedoms and don’t allow others to rob you of them. Likewise, avoid shackling yourself with guilt, shame, or regret, which hold you in bondage to the past.
“So if the Son of Man sets you free, you will really be free” (John 8:36 NIRV).
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1 NIV).
*Portions of this post excerpted from Forward Motion blogs “Freedom Leaders” and “Freedom Echoes”.
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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