Freedom and Virtue by Jim Stovall

Here in America, we cherish the concept of freedom and the liberty we enjoy. Among the inalienable rights with which we are endowed by our creator are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Freedom is a gift we have been given, and countless people have made supreme sacrifices over many years to protect and maintain our freedom.

Freedom is a gift we have been given. As important as freedom is to our American way of life, it is significant to note that our founders emphasized virtue more than freedom. Virtue is comprised of what we accomplish, how we perform, and what we make of ourselves in this life. It embodies principles, effort, and character. There are more than six thousand historical documents written by our founders, and those documents mention virtue more than freedom.

The gift of freedom does not give us a place at the finish line or in the winner’s circle. Freedom gives us a place in the starting blocks. Unlike people who do not have the benefit of freedom and liberty, we can choose to succeed or fail based upon our own efforts and virtue. People who do not take advantage of freedom are no better off than people who don’t have freedom.

I’m always amazed and inspired to meet people who have come to America from countries where they did not have freedom, and where the privileges we enjoy do not exist. Oftentimes, these people succeed beyond native-born Americans because they appreciate freedom in a way that people who have always known it, often, do not. This enhanced appreciation creates ambition which propels virtue in the form of effort and diligence.

People who are free to do anything are also free to do nothing. People, who have never before experienced that freedom, can soar to amazing heights simply by removing the barriers of tyranny. We must remain mindful of the fact that many men and women paid the ultimate price for our freedom. The tribute we can pay to those heroic figures for the gift they have given us goes beyond Memorial Day celebrations, plaques, and parades. The lasting tribute we can give to our fallen heroes is to live lives of virtue, accomplishment, and service.

As you go through your day today, enjoy your freedom and live with virtue.

Today’s the day!