Independence Day

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48

Independence Day

It is a great land of mountains and streams

flowing waters and roaming buffalo

this place is a gift from the Creator for all

to cherish, to protect and to share.

From first contact we fed the strangers

the ones who would conquer and kill

the ones who were sent away empty handed

the ones who got lost on a terrible adventure.

We have always lived in loving harmony 

with the land our mother and all our relations

we have fought to protect the rights of all

and been herded to rough places like cattle.

We have laid down our lives for this land

we have served in wars and during peace

we have coded, liberated and led the charge

we have been warriors of freedom all along.

So set the sky ablaze in nighttime glory
celebrate this incredible holy ground
make room as we have done for generations
for the lost, the broken we made at home.