It’s time to fire up the grills. Let’s make sure we have plenty of hamburgers and hot dogs. Better get lots of ice because I think we are in for a hot 4^th of July. Don’t forget to get a pack of fireworks. Too bad I don’t know someone with a pool. I am looking forward to seeing who makes it this year to our family gathering. It’s always quite a crowd.

Doug Creamer writes a religion column for the SNAP.

We are hitting the halfway point in the year. Just like the holidays give us an opportunity to get together for some great times of fellowship, so the 4^th of July gives us a reason to come together for another family gathering. It is great when we have the opportunity to gather and catch up on our lives.

We lead such busy lives so it is great to take a day and slow down. It gives us the opportunity to catch our breath. We need to disconnect, if only for a few hours, and focus on the important things.

Time marches on and we need the reminder to savor the time we have with each other. No one knows how much time he or she has so we can’t take it for granted that we will be here. Connecting, sharing our love, expressing our gratitude, and simply living in the moment with each other is so important. We need to celebrate each other.

July 4^th is the celebration of this great nation. We are a free country. We live in a nation that people from all over the globe want to come and live. It’s the land of opportunity. Anyone who lives here can become anything they want if they are willing to work hard at it. We have the opportunity to make a better life for ourselves.

Sadly, our politicians strive to divide us into us and them. They try to convince us that their group is better than the other group. They try to pit us against each other. Sadly, some people have fallen for their tricks and deceptions. Most people you meet don’t see us as different. We are Americans. We come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and backgrounds. Yes, we may see things and look at things differently, but that is what makes us a great democratic nation. We find and strive to discover ways to make it work. We are a nation of the people, by the people, for the people.

I have had the privilege of teaching social studies in the GED program at the community college. Reading about our history and the people who sacrificed so much for us moves me deeply inside. People have fought for our ideals. Many have laid down their lives so we can live freely. This week, let’s commit to turning off all the political noise and focus on our unity as a nation. We have so much in common and so much to enjoy. When you are enjoying the fellowship of family and friends this week, lift a glass to this great nation.

When it comes to unity, we as Christians should be leading the way on how we can bring people together. If your church is like mine, we all come in various ages, colors, and sizes. Jesus taught us to love one another. People should be able to walk through the doors of our churches and discover God’s love exhibited through His people.

Sadly, some people and churches think they are better than others. There are obviously differences in appearances and programs between churches. Some are large and some are small. But those things shouldn’t matter if we are all focused on loving Jesus. If each church keeps their eyes on Jesus and what they are called to do in their location then God’s purposes will be fulfilled. The gospel will spread and people will discover God’s love.

For the next couple of weeks when you go to church, I want to encourage you to examine your church family and see if you are loving each other and welcoming guests to the house of the Lord. Do people feel love and accepted even if they aren’t perfect? Do we come alongside those who are struggling, or do we condemn them? Do we value each person, both young and old? Do you find yourself celebrating that you are the family of God and that all are welcome no matter their background or their upbringing? Let’s celebrate us! Let’s celebrate the church where sinners can find a home filled with hope and love.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041 or doug@dougcreamer.com .