I appreciate the 4th of July and this 250th anniversary….

I found paperwork recently of my Great Grandfather as naturalized as a US citizen in the early 1900s – he (and all my great grandparents) had to renounce citizenship to the Austro-Hungarian empire – the ruler Frances Joseph – acting like a King – was “Emperor of Austria and Apostolic King of Hungary”. My relatives there were raised on the border of an old country where this A-H empire was the political force in the region. 

Wikipedia says: “The Lands and the Austro-Hungarian Empire had a complex relationship. During the period of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which existed from 1867 to 1918, the lands were part of the Austrian half of the empire. This era was marked by a struggle for autonomy and political representation…” In other words, it was ALWAYS complex in government – and complex in who they WANTED to be aligned with and who they DIDN’T.

​My Great Grandfathers (both on that side of the family) as well as SO MANY left to not have to fight FOR the emperor – AND to be able to find a new prosperous life in America – AND to live an American dream of freedom from persecution. They certainly could not have known what also made a difference in the lives of their children to move from city life to country life – as not only did my family’s life differ than our cousins because we were in America, but we had a different life because we were in the upstate NY country compared to our family in packed busy NYC.

In the naturalization paperwork, they also pledged (like all others at the time) to not be an anarchist or polygamist. These folks who became naturalized US citizens gave up any allegiance to foreign powers. “and it is my intention in good faith…”

In Good Faith – means to have have faith that is real – and to act upon a good intention in one’s decisions. And surely my relatives made sacrifices for family. Even coming to America meant not having family from the old country any more – unless you brought them with you (as did my great grandmother). In Good Faith they did what they had to do… “SO HELP ME GOD.” in CAPITAL LETTERS!

I pray that we all “IN GOOD FAITH” have faith in what the future holds – my family in the late 1800’s early 1900’s could not have foreseen the great depression – or the twists and turns of political football passing in the 20th century. They only know “to live in faith”… “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

May we renounce Anarchy and keep realizing rejoicing God’s Reality above any regency. May we know God as Lord and King – and Savior and Solution. May we always “In God We Trust” TRUST and act.

…”and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Col 2

Amen and Happy 4th of July!

“SO HELP ME GOD.” in CAPITAL LETTERS!