America. Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.
In the past few generations, the words “America” and “Patriotism” have taken a rather interesting turn. It no longer shares the same meaning with my grandmother’s generation. As the political fervor has shifted into what it looks like today- intolerance of opinions & virute signaling- I started to wonder where we turned from unashamedly loving America to believing we were guilty of something if we did.
I will admit, during my college days that was something I really wresteld with. I remember coming home for Christmas in my first year of college and having (as we often do) a political discussion around the table.
For some background: My family is undoubtedly a republican/conservative/least-amount-of-government-involvement family, should we put a label on it. I grew up respecting the foundation of America, her principles, her freedoms, her history. For good reason to. My grandfather did not graduate high school but rather enrolled in the Navy before marrying my grandmother at the age of 21. After the Navy, he set off to take over my great-grandfather’s manufacturing business and built it into a very successful two-tiered, family-owned business that exists still today. Growing up, policies that favored for less regulation on business and the ability to thrive as middle-class Americans were valued and often lead us into the voting cycle of the Republican Party.
Growing up with this as my family’s story, I never encountered people who thought the other way. However, college changed that. In college, there is such a strain towards liberal views that it made me start to ask myself questions about why I thought the way I did. The answer of “well my mom…” just wasn’t a good enough argument anymore.
(This next part is going to sound dramatic, but so-be-it.)
The ideas that favor socialism behind the banner of “progressive and liberalism” are so beautifully wrapped up in shiny packages that it almost seems hateful to think that anything else is humane.
“Why wouldn’t you want free healthcare for all?”
“Why shouldn’t the government take care of its people?”
“The richest people in America should pay up.”
“You don’t want free college? Thats rude.”
“I would pay more in taxes to help people. Would you?“
“You don’t think we have a responsibility to SAVE THE PLANET???”
The frames are almost so moralistic in appearance, you feel like a jerk if you believe any differently. And I fell into this in college and had a season where I came home and expressed my new ~liberal~ views. It took about 30 seconds for my family to (lovingly, but decidedly so) chew up and spit out my liberal conversational topics. Safe to say, if I wanted to change, I had to do some research first.
That lead me to diving in American History that went beyond that of my high-school classes. Learning the real reason why, in a world with varying governmental structures; America seems to have risen to the top in a relatively short amount of time.
Fast forward to today…
I LOVE America. Quite in contrast with a majority of my generation- I believe America offers the greatest solution for humans where governments are concerned. I got here through a mix of educating myself on the true history of America, the histories of nations with differing governmental structures, and traveling to lots of different countries- most of which do not offer freedoms to the likes of our Constitution.
Once you see the destruction of what governments can do to its people, it will encourage you to protect individual freedoms at all costs. Like Haiti, whose government is so corrupted that it is currently being controlled by government-funded gangs, leading many civilians to fearfully find refuge elsewhere. Or Italy, where in a conversation with my friend, he expressed his desire and pursuit of getting a greencard into the American work-place because it offers “just so many opportunities.” Or in Nicaragua, where their communist-government-disguised-as-socialism controls the schooling systems and have subsequently stopped the practice of crtitical-thinking making sure from a young age, you are taught to accept information without asking questions. Like Australia, where the freedom of speech is not embedded into their government, so should you disapprove of the laws being enforced- your opinion and thoughts are not protected institutionally.
Our founding fathers learned from their history. Thats why we have things like freedom of speech, the right for religion to be seperated from restraints of the government, right to a trial by jury, rights of states & its people to set out their own laws, and the right to ammend the constitution- knowing that in an ever-changing world, freedoms & the most vulnerable of society will constantly have to be protected. I love this America, the passion of the rebellion-turned-nation that we enjoy today.
So, I unashamedly love my country. I value and appreciate our history, celebrating the fact that we have crawled our way out of dark times to get to where we are today. I pray for America. That she would truly be a country for a “moral and religious peoples…” and that its people wouldn’t lose sight of that.
America is nowhere near perfect, but she is so so good. As one voice in a sea of what seems like a million angry, loud, and fighting voices throughout our nation today; I won’t shy away from the lessons I have learned and my unwavering desire to live a country that resembles the morals and principles of the God that I serve.
God Bless America!!!!!???????????????????? Thank you Amanda!
Nicely said! Thanks to Naomi’s sister I have been spending more time reflecting upon those who have served and are serving. When we reach out our hands we should extend them more to those currently separated from home and would appreciate our support. If you ask around you probably will find someone remotely associated to you who would enjoy being directly contacted. A friendship just might occur….
Our extended hands should be one of assistance not one of expectation.
Thank you
Your comments and understanding should open the eyes of others. Your right this is not then America your grandparents or great grandparents. I knew them and understand as harsh as the reality is they would be on the front line fighting for our freedoms!!!
My sweet granddaughter what you have written warms my heart. Your words need to be posted for the world to read. Your understanding of the perils this great Country faces far exceeds many that have been elected to run this Country for the People!??
Hello Amanda! I’m so proud of you for unashamedly loving America! We are truly the most blessed nation. God chose Israel, but America chose God. America is not perfect but our foundations are sure because they are rooted in the Word of God. Keep speaking the Truth in love Amanda! We love you so much!
My sweet girl! How young and wise you are! I’m grateful for your travels. How they have opened your heart and your eyes! There is lots of service opportunities with Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA – that would love your help when you are home! ha – Love you to the Moon and Back. Safe travels to Peru! – Mom
Amanda, so proud of you. You have said it so well! I am so proud of you that you took the time to study and research the history of our country. So many are not going out on their own to take the time to study America’s history. They are just taking for granted what the liberal teachers have taught them.
Amanda, you are amazing and we are so proud of you.
Love Mema and Pa
Praying for you… you are wise beyond your age…
Very well spoken/written. THIS is what needs to be published on the front pages of our national and local newspapers this week. Thanks, Amanda. You give me ever more hope for your generation and the future of not only our country, but the church of Christ across the world. Keep learning, keep serving. To God be the glory.
(friend of Sarah Badgett’s)
Well said.