America's Greatness Runs Generations Deep
I watched and listened carefully to the Inauguration on Monday. I loved hearing the Marine Band play “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and the Marine Academy sing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” I loved that even though prayer is not sanctioned in public schools, on the day the new President takes office, prayers are publicly offered and the Bible is used for oaths. There are lots of things to agree or disagree with, but that is not what this day is about. The Inauguration is a ‘coming together day’ for all parties, peoples, opinions and hopes. It’s a peaceful day when we celebrate all that America means and is. There are many countries in the world that do not enjoy a peaceful exchange of power. Their elections and power shifts often involve armed militia, violent protests and political demonstrations of power. But not US. We have something different. If you want to know what I think, this is one thing that makes America great. 

America isn’t great because of who’s in office or what policies are in place. All that can be changed every four years. And anybody can endure anything for four years. America isn’t great because we get what we want, when we want it, because we often don’t. It’s not necessarily the place where dreams are realized, like the Disneyland of the nations. Although, it has traditionally been one of the countries in the world where people move to start a new life. With immigration numbers hovering around 3 million for the last two years, the US remains a place people want to live. Why? Because great things can still be achieved here. The fact that you are still here, even though you have the freedom to move anywhere in the world, speaks volumes. There are nations where passports are dearly sought and often not gained. But not here. That’s another reason for greatness. 

America isn’t great because of its economy. That can shift quickly as the decades roll by. In this country, a person can experience deep poverty and comparative riches all within a lifetime. This story has been lived millions of times over. The greatness lies in the limitless possibility of earning money and the promise of capitalism. Because the only boundaries placed on the buyer and seller are ethical ones, the sky is the limit for creative minds. Everything from wood carvings to string mops can be marketed and sold. And if the market likes the product—it often amazes me what the market prefers!—a business can be built. And if it is run by those same ethical guidelines, that business can become successful. The ability to build a life solely on creativity is another example of American greatness. 

America isn’t great because of her schools. Everything from elementary to higher ed, is a constant source of conversation; grumbling, celebration and lots in between. The greatness lies in the teachers, the system and the process. The fact that anyone who wants to learn, can learn, is amazing. There are many countries in the world that cannot boast this fact. The fact that good teachers are adored and often referred to as heroes by their former students is a testament to their greatness. The fact that our process offers anyone who wants to learn a wide enough variety of educational pursuits—just about anyone, from any background, can pursue a degree in an institution that supports their goals—is incredible. Do I agree with all or even most of the educational goals that exist? Certainly not. And that is one of the reasons we celebrate. No one person can steer the educational ship. No one institution can guide the country. A graduate from University of Arkansas at Hope has just as much a chance at success as one from an Ivy League school. Hard work is all that stands in a person’s way. And that is great. 

It's not the healthcare system, the insurance business, Wall Street or any other single entity that makes America great. It’s the idea of America itself that sets us apart. Something happens in the heart of a person when the ceiling is removed. The possibility of shooting for the stars unlocks something in us. I believe every human on earth is given this ultimate possibility for something great by God. When we realize that real, tangible greatness doesn’t lie in an institution or even an idea, but in the people, we will take a tremendous step forward. But that truth doesn’t come naturally. The image of God in each of us is what truly makes us great. And that truth is only supernaturally realized. 

I would argue that most of the great things we celebrate in this country and around the world were given to us by Christians. Democracy and capitalism were hard fought and won by believers who refused to submit to a tyrant who served as both priest and king. Long before healthcare was a hot topic here, Christians in the slums of the world were providing the best care available when no one else would. Orphan care was championed by Christians, as was education. Slavery took it’s first blow when a devout Christian lobbied with his life for its death. You see the opposite of this in oppressive governments that criminalize Christianity. The beauty of America is deeply rooted in the Christian worldview. This is why, despite protests and lawsuits, hymns, prayers and the Bible are still very present in the greatest exchange of power we, as a country, can witness. 

Make America great again? I say we already are.



SHARE
Close