Winsome Wisdom – The Price of Freedom

Winsome Wisdom – The Price of Freedom
By Steve Chappell

A few weeks ago, the United States of America celebrated its 241st birthday. There were Lion's Club BBQ's, rounds of golf, fishing and jet skiing on the lake, family and neighborhood cookouts, parades, ceremonies, all topped off with the spectacle of fireworks.

I wonder if anyone gave a thought to any of those 56 patriotic souls who signed their name to a piece of paper that would forever change the course of civilization and turn their lives upside down. Me, neither... but I know someone who did. His name is Rowe and he was a classmate at college. .

Rowe’s forwarded email was an article that’s made the rounds for several years entitled The Price They Paid. After some fact checking, the following is an accurate overview of the fate of some who affixed their signatures to the Declaration of Independence:
These were men of means, leaders in their communities, well-educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well what the consequences would be if they were captured. And sure enough:
Fast forward 241 years, and much has changed. But the promise of America continues despite the variety of chasms that continue to test the resolve of true patriots.

The price of freedom is constant vigilance and persistence in the path laid out by the founding fathers. The cost of freedom lost is too dire to contemplate or risk.