By Gina Caswell Kelly
I am very proud to live in this country. I am proud that I am an American. Extremely proud. In spite of the flaws and the problems we see facing our country today, I still believe that this is the greatest country on earth. I believe we have been blessed in so many ways. I believe God looks at us as His children. Of course He does all people, but I like to think that we are a bit special to Him. We have been given so much, and for so many years, we have been the nation to which others turned for help and guidance in difficult times. That may or may not be the case today, but I do believe it can be that way again.
I have faith in my God and I have faith that He can and will “right the ship” and get us back to where we need to be. Of course that means we have to have hearts willing to listen and be changed. He never forces His will on anyone. I believe our country is on the edge of a great time of turning back to God. I see so many signs that more of our country’s people are beginning to go back to seeking God. I am not blind. I see all the sin and ugliness in our country, as well. But I believe with all my heart that God is poised and ready to make our country into that “One nation under God” again.
But He will use us, as His children to make this change. We have to be ready to be the hands and feet of God in our nation. We have to be bold in standing up for what is right and calling out those things that are wrong. And this is where it gets tricky. My daddy always told me we could hate the sin, but love the sinner. Our world does not understand that. We are told that if we don’t agree with and accept this behavior or that, then we are “not showing the world a loving God.” We are called out as hating the people we are supposed to love. Oh that just burns me! I love all people. But there are many behaviors I am not so crazy about.
Pray daily for our country. Pray daily for our leaders. Even if you do not agree with them, or especially if you do not agree with them, pray for them. Pray that God will continue to shed His grace on our country. But, be willing to be the change that needs to happen. Be willing to stand for what is right, even if it is not popular. Be willing to make a difference in this great country!! God is our only hope and what a great hope He is!
