Something has been burning on my heart this week. I’m not saying it as a pastor or a senator; I’m saying it as an American citizen who loves our country and thinks this is a critical time in the life of our nation.
What does patriotism mean?
Patriotism means love of country.
Patriotism means flying the flag, proudly.
Patriotism means preserving our freedoms…and fulfilling our responsibilities.
Patriotism means caring for veterans and active duty military who defend our democracy.
Patriotism means supporting law and order and those who preserve it.
Patriotism means funding emergency first responders.
Patriotism means respecting differences.
Patriotism means getting involved.
Patriotism means loving your country 365 days a year.
Patriotism means treating each other with respect and dignity.
On bad days, I fear for our nation. Because we are so bitterly divided. And that division too often leads to dark places. When we demean and dishonor our fellow Americans by tearing those with whom we disagree down, Lady Liberty grieves. When politicians wave the flag but fail to enact policies that support whose sacrifices allow us to fly it, Lady Liberty grieves. When leaders face death threats, Lady Liberty grieves.
On good days, I hope our future is bright. Because our better angels always show up at just the right time. Good people stand up and hold the line. When citizens peacefully demonstrate their patriotism, Lady Liberty rejoices. When we treat others like we want to be treated, Lady Liberty rejoices. When we stand firm in our commitment to unity despite efforts to divide us, Lady Liberty rejoices. When we put country first, Lady Liberty rejoices.
I see examples of goodness and grace all around our community every day. Random acts of kindness. Support for families in need. Prayers turned into action. A positive word at just the right time. These things rarely make the news, but they do make up the fabric of our republic.
When I think about patriotism, I think about the 13 letters written across the top of the national seal, to match the thirteen stripes on the flag. E PLURIBUS UNUM. It means, “out of many, one.”
Out of many people, one nation.
Out of many opinions, one nation.
Out of many beliefs, one nation.
Patriotism means being fully committed to our UNITED states, diverse and different as we are. Men and women. Young and old. Rich and poor. Black and white. Democrat and Republican.
The good book tells us, “There is a time for everything.” After a tumultuous and trying time locally and across this great nation, it’s time for healing. It’s time for the Golden Rule. It’s time for unity. Let us not fall victim to our inner demons; let us call forth our better angels.
We are more alike than we are different. We are stronger because of our diversity. We are patriots. We are America. Out of many, WE ARE ONE.
Senator Stephen Baldwin is the Minority Leader and a local pastor. Reach him at 304-357-7959 or stephen.baldwin@wvsenate.gov. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @BaldwinForWV.
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