Today, despite all the things that are wrong in our country I am focusing on what is right. And I am feeling

Fourth of July Gratitude

for so many blessings. We have a long way to go towards freedom and justice for all. And we need to work hard to help mitigate and lessen climate change. But we also have seen great changes in consciousness that I hope will lead to opportunities and just treatment for all.

I’m not a flag-waving patriot who refuses to see the injustices and terrible things we’ve done as a nation. And I believe that we should teach our children and ourselves the truth of our nation’s history, not some imaginary fairy tale that omits all of the ways we hurt native peoples, people of color, and even other nations in our pursuit of “freedom” and “manifest destiny.”

On this celebratory day, let’s all say a silent apology to the many people who were harmed by our country’s policies. Let’s vow to do better personally and as a nation. And let us find ways to liberate our own consciousness from outdated prejudices and a sense of privilege or being special.

When day comes we ask ourselves,

where can we find light in this never-ending shade?

The loss we carry,

a sea we must wade

We’ve braved the belly of the beast

We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace

And the norms and notions

of what just is

Isn’t always just-ice

And yet the dawn is ours

before we knew it

Somehow we do it

Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed

a nation that isn’t broken

but simply unfinished

But while democracy can be periodically delayed

it can never be permanently defeated

In this truth

in this faith we trust

For while we have our eyes on the future

history has its eyes on us

This is the era of just redemption

When day comes we step out of the shade,

aflame and unafraid

The new dawn blooms as we free it

For there is always light,

if only we’re brave enough to see it

If only we’re brave enough to be it

   — Amanda Goreman, excerpts from The Hill We Climb

We are all one and we all rise or fall together as a nation and a world. Let us also give thanks to nature for her bounty and take time to realize that we are not separate from her but a part of everything and everyone.

Happy Fourth of July everyone!

May you walk in beauty.


Marilyn

Photographer sharing beauty, grace & joy in photographs and blog posts. I live in the Twin Cites in Minnesota, the land of lakes, trees, and wonderful nature.

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