The Idea is still Great
This past weekend we all lit the sparklers, wore the red, white and blue, ate way too much and told stories like we have many years past. But this year was different.
We didn’t get to celebrate the 4th in ’20 and LOTS has happened in our culture since ’19. The U.S. has been a family that looked a lot like the Cleaver’s for awhile. Image was everything and everyone wanted to be in the “family.” Perception was reality until it wasn’t. Politics, power and story after story of injustice came to the surface. As uncomfortable, painful and divisive it seemed to be at times, it was/is necessary. Ignorance, be it willful or not, is no more.
If any family (or country) is to continue to be a beacon, one that trumpets freedom and hope, it MUST face its dark history. There is no way around that. The big question is, have we done it well? Have those who feel oppressed worked to change systems or simply desired to turn the sword on the oppressor? Have those who have benefited from centuries of oppression worked to recognize the wound and truly begin to heal it or worked to suppress the ugliness that exists to maintain comfort?
In my opinion, I have seen healthy doses of division by those with the loudest voices on either side. Elevated tension, without strong and wise leadership, quickly turns into “us vs them” no matter how balanced you feel. You are almost required to pick a side. Defenses grow, tribe over country, party over We the People and the chasm grows.
But I still believe this country has promise, unlike most if any, if we ALL choose to believe in Her no matter the ugly past. A country based on freedom will most assuredly walk a long and bumpy path because that’s what freedom looks like. If we are in fact a people that can understand how to move forward TOGETHER, America is what we say she is. But if we choose to draw lines in the sand, cast blame on only those we see as different, we are no better than our international neighbors that live in a constant state of warring factions. We may feel better because we don’t bomb each other but if we continually plant seeds of cancer and fertilize them, I’d argue we are just taking longer than those that launch actual bombs at the other side. We draw out a slow and insidious death.
So we have a choice to make. All of us. Do we believe in the CONCEPT and IDEA that this country was built on or do we believe that the best way is to destroy her? We have great work to do concerning laws, systems and access but the tools are laid out before us. They work!!! We just have to use them and persevere with integrity, clear vision and understanding. We have excelled in demonstration, political rhetoric, fear tactics and blame but we have failed thus far in proactive work to OWN our collective issues! If we do not stop simply treating the symptoms of root issues, the cycle is never ending. There is no hope in medicating our diabetes if we continue to chug the soda.
So reflecting on this past 4th, despite the national deconstruction we have been in for quite some time, I believe America is great in all her flaws and holds the keys to a door to the next chapter of her incredible journey. Our tremendous sins of the past don’t and cannot define the trajectory of our future.
I pray for a country and people that embrace powerful humility. I call for people to stop allowing leaders to manipulate your minds and hold them to account. Hold tight to the desire to grow in relationship with your fellow countrymen. Do not encourage (or like) speech that has no benefit to the conversation. Understand the exponential impact of emotional and cathartic posts. Own your intention just as you ask that of others. Get your house in order. And as I always say . . . believe. Believe in what we can be!
The idea of this great nation is still alive. I believe in her. America, you ain’t the Cleavers but I’m here for you. A new family is moving to town, let’s all welcome them together.
