Honoring the Constitution

Ever since I was a little girl in grade school I remember having such respect and admiration for the flag, the constitution and the freedoms we have in the United States of America. I would get goosebumps every time I recited the pledge of allegiance. The patriotic songs and programs we put on four our parents was such an honor to participate in and I loved the learning about the early founding fathers.

As a mom when I look at what is going on in the world and in our own country I am saddened. Seeing the constitution under attack and devalued worries me that my children will not experience the same "American Pride" I had always felt growing up. As parents, adults, leaders etc. it is our duty to teach our children about the foundations of this country and how it was established. It was established by the hand of God through valiant and wise men. As long as we reverence God in our country and look to him for guidance we will continue to be led by him and experience safety, peace and freedom. Let's never forget that.

In honor of this marvelous day I'd like to share the words of Ezra Taft Benson about the divine power in bringing fourth the constitution in his reverencing talk "The Miraculous Constitution" from the 1987 Friend.

"George Washington referred to the Constitution of the United States as a miracle. In a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Savior declared, “I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose” (D&C 101:80) These were not ordinary men, but men chosen and held in reserve by the Lord for this very purpose. Shortly after President Spencer W. Kimball became President of the Church, we met together in one of our weekly meetings. We spoke of the sacred records that are in the vaults of the various temples in the Church. As I was to fill a conference assignment in St. George, Utah, President Kimball asked me to go into the vault and check the early records. As I did so, I realized the fulfillment of a dream that I had had ever since learning of the visit of the Founding Fathers to the St. George Temple. I saw with my own eyes the records of the work that was done for the Founding Fathers of this great nation, beginning with George Washington. Think of it—the Founding Fathers of this nation, those great men, appeared within those sacred walls and had their vicarious work done for them!

But we honor more than those who brought forth the Constitution. We honor the Lord who revealed it. God Himself has borne witness to the fact that He is pleased with the final product of the work of these great patriots.

In a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith on August 6, 1833, the Savior admonished: “I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land” (D&C 96:8)

I reverence the Constitution of the United States as a sacred document. To me its words are akin to the revelations of God, for God has placed His stamp of approval on the Constitution of this land. I testify that the God of heaven sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundation of this government, and He has sent other choice spirits—even you who read my words—to preserve it."

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!