“ …and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 ESV
When I was growing up and we would visit my maternal grandmother, there were two things I always did as soon as the hugs and greetings were done. The first was to rush to the mantle, grab the key and wind my grandmother’s clock. It didn’t matter if it had just been wound, I would wind it again, first counterclockwise on the right side of the face and then clockwise on the left. It became such a ritual that my grandmother ultimately promised that, should something ever happen to her, that clock was to be mine. It took some years after my grandmother’s death to convince my mother to let it go, but for years now it has been prominently displayed in our den (It turns out that it originally belonged to my great, great grandmother, and, yes, it still works).
As soon as I was assured that the clock would continue to function without me, I headed straight for my grandmother’s copies of The Saturday Evening Post, then a weekly publication that traced its roots to Benjamin Franklin. Besides the usual columns like “The Perfect Squelch” and “You Be the Judge,” and the great one-panel cartons, including Hazel by Ted Key, I was fascinated by the cover illustrations, many of which were done by Norman Rockwell. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to have those old covers today.
One of Rockwell’s most famous works was entitled, The Four Freedoms, a series of four paintings based on a speech by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in January, 1941 as a means of building up support for the war. His speech stated in part:
"In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression -- everywhere in the world. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way -- everywhere in the world.
The third is freedom from want -- which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants -- everywhere in the world.
The fourth is freedom from fear -- which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor-- anywhere in the world."
Each of Rockwell’s paintings represented one of the four freedoms and were eventually used by the government as part of the effort to encourage people to buy war bonds. Although the world as we know it today is much different than the day President Roosevelt gave his historic speech, the freedoms and beliefs that he outlined and Rockwell illustrated still hold a deep meaning to all of us, and cut to the core of what it means to be an American. So, as you all celebrate the 4th this year, be sure to take some time to reflect on the Four Freedoms, and how blessed we all are to be part of this great country known as the United States of America.
Happy 4th of July. Let freedom ring!
Prayer: Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)
Fr. Steve +
