Happy Fourth of July!
On July 2, 1776 the Continental Congress voted in favor of Independence and two days later delegates from the 13 Colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. From 1776 to present day It has been celebrated as the “Birth of Independence.” In 1941 Congress declared It as a Federal Holiday, as well as other holidays, To become a paid holiday for federal employees.
A few facts about The 4th of July holiday: According to American Pyrotechnics, around 15,000 Fire Works celebrations are observed nationwide and vary in cost. Small towns spend $8,000 to $15,000 for fireworks displays and larger cities price goes into the Millions. Boston Pops Fire Works Spectacular averages more than $2 Million.
Hot Dogs consumed goes around 150,000 Million. In 2018 Joey Chestnut scarfed down 74 franks, breaking his own record that he’s held for 12 years.
American spend billions celebrating the 4th. In 2019, the National Retail Federation predicted that Americans would spend $6.7 billion on tasty treats on their celebrations — averaging out at about $73 per person; Americans will spend around $1 billion on beer and more than $560 million on wine.
The year 2020 may well go in the record books taking a downward plunge in everything due to the present pandemic. If it goes full blast, the positive cases may go out of sight!
EBC NEWS: Due to rise in numbers in the Coronavirus, Church Service has been suspended until decision is made to return.
“Just to be clear, the church has not been closed. So, it doesn’t need to be re-opened. We have simply stopped worshipping in our building, for a time to protect the healthy wellbeing of our people and our communities. The church does not require a building in order to be a church. What is required is love, compassion and the presence of God.”
If you’re going to believe everything you read, then start reading your Bible.
Today I want the talk to stop about Covid#19, protesting, looting brutality, etc. it’s easy to lose our way and become convinced that this “new normal” is real life. But, then I met an 87-year-old man who talks of living through polio, diphtheria, Vietnam, protests and yet is still enchanted with life. He seemed surprised when I said, “2020 must be especially challenging for him.” He said, “No,” looking me straight in the eyes, “I learned a long time ago to not see the world through the printed headlines. I see the world through the people around me. I see the world with the realization that we love big. Therefore, I choose to write my own headlines. ‘Husband loves wife today. Family drops everything to come to Grandma’s bedside.’” He pat’s my hand “Old man makes new friend.” His words collide with my worries, freeing them from the tether I had been holding tight. They float away. I am left with a renewed spirit. My headline now reads “Woman overwhemed by the spirit of kindness and remember that our capacity to love is never ending.”
Aunt Jemima. - Chicago: A great grandson of Aunt Jemima doesn’t want Quaker Oats, or white America for that matter, to easily erase history by retiring the iconic breakfast brand! “This is an injustice for me and my family that is a part of our history sir.” Larnell Evans told me. “She worked for Quaker Oats for 20 years. She traveled all the way around the United States and Canada making pancakes as Aunt Jemima for them. She served all the people and it was after slavery that she worked as Aunt Jemima. That was her job. How do you think I feel, as a black man, sitting here telling you about my family history that they are trying to erase? Following the removal of Aunt Jemima by Quaker Oats, Uncle Ben’s Rice and Cream of Wheat label is to be changed too!
“Blacks were not enslaved because they were black, but because they were available. Slavery has existed in the world for thousands of years. Whites enslaved other whites in Europe for centuries before the first black was brought to the Western Hemisphere. Asians enslaved Europeans, Africans enslaved other Africans and blacks continue to enslave other blacks.” (Thomas Sowell)
The perfect man: Gets up at 5 a.m. every day; makes his own bed; cleans his room; exercises every day; doesn’t drink alcohol; helps out in the kitchen; is always punctual; hits the bed at 9 p.m. Where can you find a man like this? In prison!
Ok, what will you do when the statues are all gone? Will you work harder or study harder, be a better dad, mom, sister or brother? Will you improve your community? Will society change for the better? Will illegal drugs go away or gangs put down drugs and pick up a book?
This is America! We have a virus, but 99 % of those that contract it will survive. We have some racists, but 99.5% of the people you meet are color blind and don’t have a racial bone in their body. We have some bad cops, but 99.95 % of the law enforcement personnel would risk their lives for you;
“If you choose to see evil, then evil is all you’ll see. Hate has caused a lot of problems but hasn’t solved one yet.”(Mary Angelou)
Wife to husband, “Why are you watching our wedding video backwards?” Husband to wife, “I like the part where I take off your ring, walk out of the church and go to the Pub with my friends.”
He must be so tired of the mess we’ve made! Forgive us Lord, don’t give up on us, please heal our land.!
Have a safe and blessed week!
