When I think of Independence Day, I usually think of our forefathers and their bravery in fighting the revolution which gave us our freedom. I would assume many of us associate July 4th with freedom from oppression and fighting for those freedoms.
As I was contemplating the term independence though, I realized that there was a crucial element that I don't normally consider in my associations. Our forefathers not only fought for our independence from the British Government, they also fought for our own independence of thought.
We all suffer under the oppressions of our own mind at times; beleaguered with negativity, pessimism, self-doubt or ill-will toward others. Additionally, we often give our personal freedoms away to others when we are swayed by the arguments of peers or succumb to the pressures of societal influence, especially if these outside influences cause us to swerve from our own beliefs or moral stands.
It is in the face of this self-tyranny or social oppression that we must be strong and be willing to fight for our own independence. In Masonry, we are taught to live our lives by our own plumb, meaning we are the ones who decide where our moral compass points, and we are the sole policing force of our own actions. No one else can establish our boundaries for us, nor can they monitor everything we do. Even worthy brothers, who seem to have our best interest at heart as they whisper kind admonitions, are still only guides. And, even they will, at times, offer advice that conflicts with your self-made plumb line. It is then that you must remember the strength of will and spirit that our forefathers displayed in time of conflict. You must firmly ground yourself in your principles, boldly announce where you stand, and then bravely fight for what you know to be right. Whether it be something simple like taking a stand in a spirited discussion, or putting your life at risk to take on a government's unfair treatment of your friends and family, the practice of fighting for what you know to be good and true is the same. And, practicing one can prepare you for being a leader in the other.
Remember, in this time of blurry morals, strong social opinions, and posturing politicians, true leadership is in its highest demand. The world needs people with a solid moral foundation who are willing to speak up and fight for what they know to be right. Opinions are easy to come by. Independence is not.
With Brotherly Love,
David Sylvester
Senior Warden