The Impact of Choice

Congress Voting http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Congress_voting_independence.jpg

While most people associate the 4th of July with the independence of our nation I find it interesting to read about what actually happened on the days leading up to the 4th and think about the people who actually participated. On the 2nd of July 1776 members of the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of a "resolution of independence" from British rule. The draft resolution was introduced by Richard Henry Lee of Virgina on the 7th of June and was debated for the next several days with many still believing a compromise with Britian could be reached. The resolution reached its final form on the 28th of June and was presented to Congress for approval where it was again debated for several days before being approved.

"that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved."

Several dozen men brought together in a time of uncertainty and war to publically vote for independence. These men, knowing full well the consequences of their actions, risked their lives, the lives of their families and their fortunes to bring together the Colonies against the British Empire and the rule of a Empire. It would have been so easy and safe for these men to have voted "No" on independence yet they believed strongly enough to risk everything and voted "Yes". Thank God for their strength, their faith and their resolve.

What would you risk your life, your family, and your wealth for?