Making America Great Again is Scary for Some

“Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” ― Edmund Burke

I do not think America should want to be great again because "again" includes native populations being decimated by disease and then being forced off their land by invaders with superior weapons, the same populations being sterilized without permission, the Tuskegee Experiment, shaming victims of sexual assault, hunting animals into extinction, Jim Crow laws and a multitude of hate groups, considering spousal and child abuse to be private family business, being slow to address the HIV infection because marginalized populations died first, polluting the environment, the Cold War, not everyone being able to vote, not really believing all humans were created equal, unequal access to education, healthcare, jobs, and housing, bombings, anger, frustration, division, global warming, race lines, class lines, religious persecution, internment camps, talk of building a wall, xenophobia, having deep and emotional scars from seeing how poorly humans can treat each other and so many other things not popping into my mind at this time.

Nostalgia is dangerous if it prevents a forward progression.  America is on the right path but it can do better.  It is wonderful to invite the huddled masses yearning to breathe free to your nation's shores, but the open invitation must be extended to every woman, man, and child.  I think many Americans like to think back to the "glory days" when this country liked to present itself as a wealthy, business-savvy world power which was at the forefront of scientific discovery as well as the leader of the free world.  This was a facade which tried to negate the pain and suffering of so many Americans who were being failed daily.  I am not the only one who would NEVER want to go back to ANY time in America's history.  And that fact must be acknowledged.  .

Do not get me wrong.  No country founded and governed by imperfect people will ever be a perfect place.  I am not asking for that type of nirvana.  I am asking this nation to keep it real.  It takes a village to raise a nation to progressively higher levels of greatness.  Giving voice to the differing points of view about what is good to keep and what has to be thrown out immediately will keep us all on our toes, inspiring America to become a place where there is liberty and justice for all.    

God Bless the Child

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.  (Proverbs 22:6)

On this day of the first Presidential debate, each American must decide what that "right" path is.  It is time to decide which candidate will help our country take the high road where a thirst for wisdom is developed, a desire to be kind is encouraged, and the hope of unity is realized.  This nation must choose between showing future generations how to love their neighbors or encouraging impressible young minds to adopt a destructive us-versus-them mentality.  

The good choice is abundantly clear but developing integrity is a daunting task.  My father once suggested that children are blank canvases upon which masterpieces can be created.  A child who is valued and encouraged to develop her talents is very likely to flourish, becoming a beautiful sight to see as she becomes a contributing member of her community and this nation.  However, I think children are already masterpieces entrusted to their parents' care; they must be placed lovingly in good light, allowing their magnificence to be in full display.

God is that glorious light which shines brightly and true.  He sets the example of loving everyone at all times and in all situations even it involves some pain or a lot of sacrifice.  We will all fall short of perfection, but it will teach our children, by example, to walk the path where a US an us can be created without finding a them to reject.  Imagine America in the hands of these future leaders who can be trusted wholeheartedly.                

Knock! Knock! It Is God

"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.  (Revelation 3:20)

God is a friend who genuinely desires to offer help and support.  We can expect him to meet our every need while considering what we want.  Yet, we must give Him permission to enter our hearts so that He may show us the way.  The path God reveals for our lives always leads to places filled with joy, peace, and success in everything we do.  This type of overflowing prosperity can be found only when we commit to using our talents to help others.  It is a call to share the greatness living inside each one of us.  Great blessings will flow freely through our families, into our communities, and throughout the nation.  

There is no act too small or too large.  Be an excellent mentor to a youth in need, a stellar public servant who leads this nation toward unity, or the one who sees how America can be at the forefront of negotiating world peace.