Freedom. The word means many things to different people.

To some it means the freedom to make their own choices and live how they wish to live. To others it has to do with democracy and all that it stands for. Still others believe it has to do with religious freedoms -- the freedom to choose how to worship and how to express one's faith.

For some, freedom speaks of hitting the highway and exploring this great country we live in. To those who are just finishing high school or college it might mean that first chance to really spread your wings and see how far you can fly; to be out on your own with just the faintest of apron strings connecting you to the one's who love you and worry about you. To others it might well be the feeling of freedom that comes from getting out of debt or paying off the mortgage on a home.

Whatever freedom means to us as individuals, we should be grateful that we have as many freedoms to enjoy as we do.

Sure, at present our nation is caught up in the midst of a war we may never be able to win. Our government is embroiled in a finger-pointing he-said/they-said war of words and politics that makes it more and more confusing to know who to believe and who not to believe.

And we are already being bombarded with barrage of 2008 presidential candidates who aren't showing us anything new and who would strive to win votes on the other candidates shortcomings instead of their own good records.

But yet, somehow, I have to believe that this is the best place to live on the planet. I have to believe that this nation offers more good than bad, and that America is on the way up again.

I also believe it will take a lot of prayer to get us back on our feet and raised back up to the majestic place of world leadership we once enjoyed. I believe we need to repent and to ask God to show favor upon us once more. I believe we must heed the voice of God from the scriptures when He says something like -- "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked way, then will I hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land."

While we are enjoying ourselves during this Independence Day week, we need to remember that the blessings we enjoy are from the very hand of God. And we need to turn back to him as a nation.

Nothing says freedom quite like a free and blessed America.

And nothing says America quite like Independence Day.