I'm Free

For nearly a week now, I've been plagued by what seems to be a chink in my patriotism armor. I'm not sure if this is just a phase, or if my naivete toward the greatness of our country is being slowly chipped away by my observances.

Last week, I attended the Cardinals vs. the Royals at The K in Kansas City. During the National Anthem, Old Glory was waving in the gentle breeze. Up until that evening, that very moment, I had always felt a surge of pride hearing that song played as I gazed at our flag. That night, not so much. Instead, I found myself worried about our fine country, and wondering what our forefathers would think of it now if they could see it. I think, perhaps, they would feel much the same as I.

I realize people aren't perfect, and 50 states' worth of people will assuredly make an imperfect country. I am loyal to my country and I believe she will one day be as great as she was meant to be. For now, though, I feel things are a mess. Values are skewed (even mine aren't perfect), selfishness and materialism abound (of which I, too, am guilty), and there is a distinct lack of brotherhood and unity that was an integral part of our nation's early days. Most significantly lacking, in my opinion, is a healthy respect and fear of the Almighty, and the realization that our country wouldn't have ever been great without it being His will or without His blessing. I fear that we have taken that blessing for granted for so long that we're starting to bear the consequences. The Lord does give, and He takes away. Sometimes, if I squint my eyes enough, it seems that we're in a 7-year famine. Perhaps we'll one day have plenty again. Or, maybe I'm very mistaken and we're in plenty now, with the famine looming ahead. What if, besides our plenty dwindling away, our freedom also begins to ebb? What then?

So, how does our nation attain the greatness it once had? or hang onto its greatness? Must I leave it to the masses? Is it their responsibility? No. It's each individual's responsibility, mine included. How do I go about this? I figure I should still feel proud when I see the flag flying in the breeze and when I hear The Star-Spangled Banner, in spite of my country's flaws. Why? Because there are men and women fighting daily for our country and for its principles and beliefs. My freedom in this country is being paid for every day. I also have to remember that my loyalty must first be placed in the One who paid for my ultimate freedom and who, for whatever reason, saw fit that I should live in this land of plenty. This land where I'm free to worship and praise Him whenever and however I want. If the Son has set you free, then you are free indeed. And that can never be taken away.