Beyond the fireworks, the cookouts, the parades and the waving flags, Independence Day is a celebration of American families, and their freedom to grow and to thrive. As director of domestic policy studies at the Heritage Foundation, Jennifer Marshall, 38, oversees the conservative think tank’s research about family and all areas that determine the character of our culture, including education, marriage, religion and civil society. She shared with The Washington Examiner by e-mail some reflections on that work, and on her hopes inspired by her Christian faith.

Do you consider yourself to be of a specific faith? I belong to a Presbyterian congregation that is a part of the Reformed theological tradition. I especially appreciate the wonder of God’s grace in personal redemption and how it gives hope for restoration in the world around us.