I have been thinking about a statement I heard on the radio the other day… The broadcaster said this was NOT the America he once knew…
Is that true?
Are we a “fallen country?”
The America I know is one of hope, freedom and opportunity. It is a country rich with a history of the underdog coming out on top, justice being served, and democracy. America is a place where we fight for what is right, because it is right and not for personal gain. It is a place where the paths of freedom are stained with the blood of our veterans. Where we worship how we desire, help our neighbor and work for our own prosperity. It is a place where, when things get tough, we roll up our sleeves and dig in with both hands, getting dirty and sweaty as we work. It is a place where citizens band together to make a difference. To make our society better. Problem solve. America, its history, is in my blood. In my heart.
But what does the future hold? Is it still that place?
I think back to that tragic 911 day… how people came together. Stood hand in hand with strangers. That is the country I know. I can’t believe that in under a decade we have digressed to something less.
If there were a major indiscretion on the part of our leaders, would the people rise up? Would we have our own little Boston Tea Party to secure our freedoms? Or do we blindly accept what is given to us?
What do you think? What is America to you? And is it still that way?
8 comments:
I think we are in a bit of a mess, but with time we will be back on top. I think the people that are struggling need to really take a look at why they are and make some changes. Instead of blaming, people need to take some responsibility...
followed you over here from Mormon mommy blogs - what a beautiful spot, and great posts also. Must admit, I get a little discouraged about this country from time to time, then I try to remember the bit HOPE word. I'll be back soon :)
Kristin
I sometimes get discouraged about our great nation. I look around and see all that is wrong with us. Then, I step back and take a deeper look and I know there people like you and me spread across this country, people who believe not only in America, but in the One True God who is able to raise us up from the fallen place we have allowed ourselves to become. We are common people, we love our God, our family and our country. Our men and women die for all these privileges every day. And yet, we seem to have become divided against ourselves. If I don't like your particular denomination of faith, or you don't like the way I choose to worship, we stand against each other instead of standing together against our common enemy. As I see it, the only hope for America is exactly what II Chronicles 7:14(NIV) says, "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." I think America still is what she always was. It is we the people who have changed. When we repent and turn back to God, then there is hope for our country to be great again. If not, then I think our days as a free nation are numbered.
Oh, I hate being the cynic, but I really can't say YES to that. I'm just not sure. The couple years I taught public school more or less showed me that there are a heck of a lot of self-entitled people who feel that the world owes them something, and a whole lot of people who like to point fingers of blame. I can say that I truly believe more and more the values we once held are crumbling beneath us. I think it takes something MAJOR -like 911 to unite us for a minute. But even that, not too shortly after, ended.
I think because of the self-entitled lot, and the lack of personal responsibility, I think we are slowly, so slowly being seduced into socialism. Quite frankly it scares me, and we certainly need more people like you who aren't afraid to stand up and say THIS IS WHAT I BELIEVE AND I WILL FIGHT FOR IT IF I MUST.
Honestly, the America in my neck of the woods is a happy place with kind, hard-working families, that live with respect and itegrity. What the media would have us believe, (and maybe this is true in some places) is that America is angry, jaded and constantly trying to find someone to blame. I wish these people would own their choices and take responsibility; because, in the end, that is how we gain freedom.
I have a slightly different take - to me, America MEANS that we complain. We were founded by unhappy citizens, and when we're unhappy, we say something. It's in our blood. I believe, for the most part, that people as a WHOLE are good. And we fight for our opinions and rights.
So many foreign countries just take what the government gives them. They complain, but only amongst themselves - never to authorities.
That said, I do think Satan is having his day. That's not negativism - that's fact. We know he'll put up a fight in the last days -
But we also know that we'll win.
It is discouraging to say the least. Just the fact that Obama won the election with the margin that he did has made me so fearful for this country. I just think the level of ignorance is alarming. So many people voted for him without knowing anything about him. It's like you can see a train wreck coming, and you can't do anything to stop it.
I love this country. The national anthem brings tears to my eyes.
I do believe that we are spoiled (most of us) and there are so many people that have a sense of entitlement. Look at a majority of the kids today... they think they deserve everything. Now.
Having said that, I do also believe that people are mainly good.
And I also agree that Satan is loving the hold he has over many people.
So... I guess from reading what I just wrote... I have no clear answer. We know that as long as we follow God we will be a blessed nation. I just hope that people don't forget that. But I'm scared that they are.
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