We're The Best . . . Right?

In the United States, our freedoms are virtually unparalleled. I don't know about you, but when I consider the opportunities I have in the U.S. I feel fortunate and blessed. I am not "proud to be an American" but humbled. When I think of the great sacrifices that others have made to make these freedoms possible, I have a sense of thankfulness, not entitlement or superiority. Soldiers, civil rights activists, entrepreneurs and civil servants all have sacrificed for our lives to be better, more fulfilling.

So how do we live? This freedom - to vote, to speak, to act. to worship - is rare and can be powerful when wielded intentionally. Remember these words of wisdom, "with great power comes great responsibility."* We have the great capacity for both greatness and harm. The Fourth of July should be a time to refocus these freedoms and dedicate them to the past generations from whom we inherited this life.

Some are adamant that the U.S. is the greatest nation on Earth. Okay, but let's not forget our past failures. We are still human. America is still work in progress. Past generations made great strides in abolishing slavery, extending freedoms to all citizens, equality for women, diminishing racism, labor rights and access for those with disabilities. I hope the legacy of my generation is greater than Wal-Mart and the iPhone. I'm not down on America, on the contrary, I believe the celebration should not emphasize our moments of pride or victory, but the moments of humility in admitting our wrongs and the courage to change.

The Forth of July should be a look to the past to inspire the future. A call to action in the arenas of poverty, immigration and health care. If we are to be "a city on a hill," as the first faith-filled settlers envisioned, we must be willing to work with one another without regard to personal or political gain. We are most inspirational, not when we exert our strength on others within or outside our borders, but when we find strength in the midst of our weakness.


Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

* Uncle Ben to Peter Parker, Spiderman