Verse and Voice 07/04/23

July 4, 2023

Verse of the day

Stand, therefore, and belt your waist with truth and put on the breastplate of righteousness.
Ephesians 6:14

Voice of the day

As many of us pause to gather on the Fourth of July, I wonder if perhaps we can celebrate without embracing myths or ignoring unpleasant truths. And as we carry on with life after the fireworks are over, will we be willing to do the soul work of facing who we are? Who are we? Who do we want to be? Can we stop and listen to the child, and love, and walk into the dark, toward becoming something unfathomably new?

Jean Nealy, “Grieving America on the Fourth of July”

Prayer of the day

Lord, although this day is meant to celebrate “freedom,” we recognize that it’s a lie because not all who live in the U.S. are free. May this day be one of sober remembrance. Help us to fight for the freedom of all people.