I grew up and live in the South. There was, and still is for some, a lot of pride in our state and region. When I was younger there was even a song…and kind of an attitude…that “the South’s gonna do it again…”
Frankly, I liked the tune, but I never was on the South doing it again bandwagon. (I never knew what we were going to do again.)
I was always more interested in the doing of our nation. Maybe it’s because I have always lived in a military town, so I’m passionately patriotic. Even though I’m now a pastor, called to different missions these days, I have a history with politics. I interned in Congress during college, I’ve served in numerous campaigns, and I’ve held an elected office.
I love our country.
I’ll be honest, maybe it’s just a perception thing…maybe it’s reality…
But it seems to me…
We’ve seen better days...
And we’ve seen worse days…far worse.
That’s not a political statement. It’s not against anyone. It’s a perception thing. I don’t see the pride of country developing in our young people I once saw. I hear more negative talk than positive talk.
Not as much as in years past, but I do still read/watch the news. We need more jobs. The economy struggles. The housing market…manufacturing…deficit… And, it seems to me, we are more divided than ever on deciding what to do about it…
Am I alone in this perception?
I wonder though what it would take to help our nation “do it again”…
A few more Christians praying?
A little more loving our neighbor?
Choosing to find some common ground?
Not looking for blame but for solutions?
Centering our thoughts on how blessed we are as people? (We still are…)
Using common sense in leadership and government? (In every party and every level…)
Looking for the positives instead of negatives?
It may be a simplistic approach, but I wonder if we started acting again like Americans, who by the way have a history as overcoming the odds, if we might see more of the America we love again… I honestly believe much of our problem these days is in our attitudes, as much as in our actions. Improve our resolve and we’ll improve our results. It works for individuals, organizations and nations. (Again, I said it was a simplistic approach.)
What do you think?
Will you join me in praying for our nation?
(Interestingly, I’ve held this post for a couple weeks before making it live. I don’t want to appear political, yet I am concerned about our nation. Since then I received a mass email from Starbuck’s CEO Howard Schultz, stating that he is organizing a group of 100 business leaders to lobby Washington on behalf of the nation. Unprecedented. You can read more about that effort HERE.)
Thanks Uma. I'll trade you prayers for your nation.
Thanks Ron! So kind ofyou. <DIV> From: [email protected]: [email protected]: @RonEdmondson replied to your comment on America's Gonna Do It Again…
Hi Bro Ron,
Iam a retired Air Force veteran of 20 yrs. My oldest son died serving his country while stationed in Japan. He was a lst Sgt (SMSgt) when he passed away serving 26 yrs. My middle son served in the US Navy and now my youngest son serves in the US Army Reserve. My great grandfather fought for the union army and helped to keep this country together. So you can see my family is military. Iam a born again Christian now for 50 years and served all this country doing the LORD'S work. Yes we are in a very bad situation and it will take committed Christians to pray for a turn around of our country. Iam a conservative regarding Church and politics. We will have to defeat the leftist wherever they are in position of power. They want a big central govt to control the population of our country. Cradle to the grave system to be taken care of by the govt. We are no longer Americans as years gone by. We now have people who don't want to become Americans they just want to take over and set up their own little country within our USA. Vote them out in 2012, Their is no common ground with these folks because its always what they want. I enjoy reading your posts. Blessings, Jim
Sir, I'm honored by your comment. Thank you for your sacrifice and your service. I will pray for you in your continued grief. Thank you for your patriotism.
Ron! I can understand the current mood in America and its young generation, and the economy's roller coaster ride.
Count me in, Ron! I will be upholding America in my prayers.
Regards
Uma
Ron, I share your concerns.
I have two close friends (at least two). One is a Democrat and the other a Republican. Both are Christians and both are extreme in their political perspectives. I introduced them and they "got along" for awhile. Now, because of their extremism, they are no longer even emailing one another. Sad.
They often try to get me engaged in their heated debates, each seeking my support. I refuse. I do not believe political debate among friends is constructive, or perhaps better put, often destructive. The risk is high enough to cause me to avoid it entirely.
But there is another reason. I firmly believe that the best way to engage society is to understand Jesus, both his ethics and his ethos. If all believers committed to this we would, as you say,
Love more,
Pray more,
Seek common ground,
Extend Grace more than find blame,
Center our thoughts on gratitude for blessing,
Become aware of and follow His wisdom
And seek to bless, and not curse.
PDM
I usually don't mind an argument but I want it to eventually move us forward
Twitter: johnmarkharris
says:
Great post, attitude is key. We are great (or can be), but if we don’t believe that, we’re not. Our country (and system of government) is the single greatest in the history of all mankind, we need to preserve that, and stop looking elsewhere for solutions.
Thanks man. I agree totally