Attributed to St. Ignatius Loyola, one must "pray as if everything depends on God, and work as if everything depends on you." I have often reflected on this expression as a model for our own citizenship. First, we acknowledge that our individual freedoms are not granted by the government; rather, our Constitution and Bill of Rights memorialize our natural rights.

Thomas Jefferson acknowledged the same in the Declaration of Independence whereby the source of liberty begins with our Creator:

John Adams likewise wrote to his bride, Abigail on the day the Declaration was approved by Congress:  "[July 4th] ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty."

In like spirit, I ask you to consider joining with our family in our own prayer for our Country on Monday, Independence Day:

We can never take for granted the blessings we have in this Nation, as some in other parts of the world have. As you remember to acknowledge, as our founders did, that our freedom begins with God, be ever mindful that we must remain vigilant and work to preserve the these democratic foundations. This work includes initiating a community project, volunteering for a non-profit, participating in civil discourse in the pursuit of political engagement, choosing to support the military and first responders who defend us at home and abroad, and exercising your civic duty by voting. Whatever your specific calling, please choose to be engaged.  As you know, I remain committed to the same, and I thank you for the opportunity I have to serve as your representative. 

I hope that you and your family have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend. May God Bless the United States of America. Delegate Chris Peace