America and Me

I look at the TV: your America's doin' well.

I look out the window: my America's catchin' hell.

 - Living Colour

I live in an area where I see American flags everywhere. It's caused me to really think about what it means to me, now, to be an American.

Truth is, it has meant different things at different times.

• Growing up, it was just part of life. I pledged allegiance at school. I sang patriotic songs at events. I thought we were the greatest country in the world.
• When I became old enough to vote, it meant I had a right and a privilege to make a difference, and I took that very seriously.
• When I became a Christian, it started to mean a lot less; i.e., just another earthly affiliation. I still vote, but I have gained an understanding of nationalism's rightful place in the heart and life of a follower of Christ.
• After 9/11, I suddenly felt more patriotic than ever before! I, too, wanted the evil vanquished.
• Since 2020, I can no longer pretend that America is not built on a system that benefits the few at the expense of the many, and those who will fight...and kill...to keep it that way -- all the while ignoring or denying the truth of it all.
• And there is a certain look/type of person that particularly makes me uncomfortable and nervous to even be around. Especially with my kids.
• And these last two points make me very sad.

We are not the greatest nation in the world. In fact, it's very possible that the United States has never been more divided, and this scares me because a nation divided against itself cannot stand (Matthew 12:25). At this point, we are probably more of a laughing stock than anything else. It is truly embarrassing.

The 4th of July represents something good for some, but not for all. There is no liberty and justice for ALL in this country. And until there is, we won't be anywhere near the greatest nation in the world.

I am not proud to be an American. I am grateful for certain things, but I don't think we've had reason to be proud for quite some time.

Maybe, some day, we will again. Maybe, some day, we will once again aspire to intelligence and not belittle it; not identify ourselves by who we vote for; and, maybe -- just maybe -- not scare so easy.