In the midst of this miserable election season (which has long felt like a prequel to the film "Idiocracy”), accompanied by FBI investigations, gut-wrenching mass shootings, and important Supreme Court rulings, it is no wonder so many of us feel hopeless about the future of our country. Next year, we’ll have a president that nobody actually wants, whether it be Trump or Clinton, and our country is going through major changes, many of which aren't so great. Our religious freedom, our country’s safety, and even our health and longevity are all in jeopardy, and it seems like no one is working together to protect these most fundamental rights. The political sphere frustrates everyone and our parties are so divided that we hardly ever listen to each other anymore. It's hard to agree on anything because we are so caught up on being right and getting what we want—it seems the word “compromise” has lost all meaning. Our country is a bigger mess than it has been in a very long time, and it's disheartening to all of us.
Over the Fourth of July weekend, I kept hearing others say, “It's hard to celebrate Independence Day this year, as we lose more and more freedoms every day.” Or, “I want to be proud of my country, but with Hillary or Trump as our next president, it's hard to be optimistic about the future.”
But it wasn't just during the holiday that these words had touched my ears or even come to my own mind—go on Facebook any day of the week and you'll see post after post about what's wrong with our country. Strike up a conversation about the events in the news with anyone on the street and next thing you know, you'll be consoling each other about terrible presidential nominees and the dark days ahead (either that, or you'll start arguing about gun control and abortion “rights”). Turn on your favorite news channel and listen to a panel of experts discuss the problems in Washington and how selfish and corrupt their opposing political party is. Our sorrow, frustration, and despair are everywhere today. With all that is wrong with our government, where can we possibly look for hope in our future and pride in this nation?
We can look to the American flag. Have you noticed that throughout all of history, during our most admirable moments, and even through our most shameful or difficult times, the symbol of our great flag has never become tarnished? We look to the American flag and even in darkness we see a symbol of virtue and freedom for all. It has always stood for the ideals that this great nation was founded on. We may change, technology will change, policy will change, but the courage, justice, perseverance, sacrifice, liberty, and love of neighbor and country that the American flag stands for will forever remain to remind us of our roots. The American flag reminds us not only of our beginnings, but of what we should always strive for and what is possible to attain even when our struggles are vast and our hope wanes. Our flag is a reminder of all that this nation has been through and all that has been sacrificed for the sake of a better life. It allows us to hope and strive for the ideals that founded America.
All of this is easy enough to say. “Yes, very inspiring,” you might be thinking at me sarcastically. “Looking at the flag may instill some pride in our hearts and some hope for the future, but as soon as we turn our attention back to Donald Trump’s reality show contest to become the next President of the United States, and an episode of Law & Order where the suspect gets away with gross negligence and violation of national security protocol without being pressed with criminal charges, those small sparks of pride and hope disappear from us.”
You're right. So what can we do to foster that hope, honor, and virtue that our flag stands for? The first thing we can do is to seek opportunities to sacrifice. In the very famous words of former President John F. Kennedy, “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
This sacrifice can be as seemingly small as listening to—I mean really listening to—and trying to fully understand views that are different from your own. When your friend, family member, or some politician whom you really can't stand or who identifies with a different political party proposes an idea or expresses an opinion, listen to it. It’ll make you mad and frustrated, but it's important to hear each other, so stop, take a breath, and understand that your friend, family member, or politician most likely wants the best for the country too (I mean, let’s at least hope that the politician wants the best for the country…). You will disagree on some points, but that doesn't mean you don't agree on other points. Their views may not be as extreme and irrational as you initially assume. And as a related side note, don’t end friendships just because you disagree with someone’s political beliefs. Nobody’s perfect; we’re all just people trying to do what we think is right.
Another way to sacrifice for your country is to volunteer for communities and charities that you're passionate about. You can start making the world better right now! Get involved in any way you can; give back to the community. It'll foster your love for your neighbor and your country.
Finally, as recommended by Eric Metaxas in his best seller, "If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty", we should always seek to learn more about our history and the important figures that were integral to the creation of this great nation. We must take the time not just to learn more about our most prominent historical figures, as important as that may be, but to learn about the men and women who are less frequently mentioned in our history books, but have made equally integral contributions to our history and freedoms. It is also necessary to keep patriotic traditions alive. Singing the classics like “America the Beautiful” on patriotic holidays, remembering to celebrate Flag Day, maybe even reading patriotic poetry next year on Independence Day, or on any day (every day is a good day for poetry)! Learning and relearning facts about our history and maintaining meaningful traditions is a sure way to rediscover how truly blessed we are to be American.
There is so much tragedy and frustration in America today, but let us not forget all the good that we encounter in our daily lives and all the good that is yet to come. This is America, for cryin’ out loud—we can overcome anything! We are in the thick of hard times, but the storm will pass and one day we will see brighter days. In the meantime, let us do all that we can to sacrifice for our country in both big ways and in small ways, and let us make new efforts to cherish our inspiring history and traditions as Americans.
May God bless the United States of America, and may you love your country today, tomorrow, and always.
