Challenge

The Fourth of July never seems to disappoint, but this year was especially nice. In Memphis, both the temperature and humidity were uncharacteristically low. Our kids were returning from a 2-week camp and my sister and her family had joined us from Texas. What a perfect long weekend. I put out the American flag in the flag holder that my dad recently installed at my daughter’s request.As the sun went down and the firecrackers were lit, however, I had this nagging feeling that, while I have a lot of positive sentiment towards the USA, I fall short of being a good steward of my citizenship. Freedom is all I have ever known. My father, uncles, grandfathers and beyond have sacrificed (along with their families) more than I could ever imagine. I am only one generation removed from active military service. If that poor stewardship exists in me, I am confident that I speak not only for myself, but also for a large part of my generation and younger. The thought that our young sons could be called upon to defend our freedom is one that I’ve never discussed with my friends. This was something so real to moms just a few decades ago. We have grown comfortable focusing on our own wants while neglecting the bigger picture. We spend far more time informing ourselves of latest pop culture trends than the trends that truly could impact our freedom… as Christians and Americans.How many of us could discuss the top two or three international tensions that have implications on our future as a country? Do we grasp the negative trends in our own country that must be reversed for America to continue to be a great nation? Most of us, including myself, do not even have an accurate understanding of how our country’s position has changed in our own lifetime. Do we understand that the Christian faith is under attack all over the globe?The Lord saw to it to use a generation of brave men and women to create a country based on biblical values. We are privileged to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave, but let me challenge all of us to take a step forward as Americans. Our calling is so much higher. What decision do you need to make today that will make you a better American as you watch the fireworks next year?I remember in high school that my history teacher required us to stay current on American affairs. Maybe this is a place to start. We certainly won’t care about what we know nothing about. Our Judeo-Christian roots intertwine our faith and our country’s future. We must become citizens who value our freedom and who stay informed. May we not become a generation that falls asleep on our watch.What do you need to do this year to be a better American? I would love to hear your thoughts.