There is one July 4th that my dog would like to forget! On July 4, 2007, I left for Thailand with a mission's team from Lubbock. As I said goodbye to Jay and Lady Bug, my sweet Sheltie, I certainly had no idea what would happen that night.

One of our daughters and family came over that night to our house in the country to pop firecrackers. Lady Bug became so frightened by the loud noises of the fire crackers and rockets that she ran away. My husband and a farm employee searched everywhere they could think of for the dog, but to no avail.

Well, thank the Lord, a neighbor brought Lady Bug home the next morning. She had gone a mile from our home. Now, if the dog had understood that the firecracker noises were sounds of freedom, she would not have run away!

I wonder about the sounds and noises we hear across America today.  Some of the sounds are loud enough to make you want to run and hide.

We need to stand still and listen for the sound of freedom.  God wants this nation to be strong again. He is calling believers to get back to the power of prayer and to unite in calling others to stand up for righteousness. Don't be like Lady Bug running in fear. Let us go forward in the name of the Lord!