I Miss the America That is Fading
As we get ready to celebrate the birth of our nation this July 4th, I can’t help but think back over the years and reminisce. My heart dearly misses the days when God was welcome in our country. I miss the patriotism that seemed to resonate in every heart and the appreciation for our many blessings, freedoms, and our one-of-a-kind nation. A nation richly blessed because of God and God alone.
I miss the respect among fellow citizens and respect for our laws which seek to protect our country. I miss personal accountability, private matters remaining private, and a high standard of morals. I miss the days when people were allowed to express their opinion without someone waiting in the wings ready to pass laws to silence opposing voices.
I miss a government made up of more individuals who brought conscience, morality, and true selfless service to its citizens. I miss good manners and people thinking more of others than themselves.
I miss the days when Hollywood had less award ceremonies to congratulate themselves! I miss the days before reality tv and am disgusted by all the voyeurism and trash that it’s created which has cheapened our society. I miss wholesome TV programs and the family unit being cherished, respected and celebrated. I miss the fact that practically every movie that comes out for kids isn’t rated G, but PG.
I miss the days when people dressed modestly and left something to the imagination. I miss true role models, not the many today who are esteemed for their narcissistic, coarse behavior who have added to the dumbing down and degrading of our society.
I miss people showing respect to our flag, our customs, our traditions and having hearts of gratitude for living here. I miss the days before social media when real communication between individuals grew relationships. It saddens my heart that people are missing out on the art of real communication, real interaction and connection.
I miss the days when good was seen as good, and evil rightly condemned as evil.
I miss the America that is fading.
Many of you may be thinking…this writer must be on in years to be writing about the good ole days. But, I was actually born in the 70’s; and in my lifetime I grew up in an America that is different from the America I live in now.
We felt safe riding our bikes in our neighborhood. We went to church, had family dinners around the table, were taught to respect our elders and teachers. We said the Pledge of Allegiance in school. We learned about our country’s real history, not a rewritten politically correct version. We didn’t have cell phones, social media or the internet. We sat around and talked with friends and spent quality time together with our families.
We didn’t boost our self-esteem through how many “likes” we got, but rather understood that respect and self-esteem come from being a good person and being selfless in our actions. We understood personal accountability and did not hold everyone accountable for one person’s actions. We were not “politically correct” and didn’t apologize for being so.
It’s amazing how much has changed in such a short time. As time moves forward, the push has never seemed greater for opposing forces to replace all that’s good and moral with all that’s degrading and evil. The voices of those wanting to silence all that’s decent, especially Christian values, seem bolder and louder with each passing day.
I know, as a Christian, that America has never been a utopia. I’m not naive to think that everything’s been perfect, nor have I viewed America through rose-colored glasses. I realize, in this fallen world, there’s always been sin. There’s always been evil, but it’s become so much more prevalent…so much more out in the open… so much more celebrated. Our nation has changed so much from the nation I grew up in. It seems within the last 10-15 years things have rapidly declined.
Despite all the unwelcome changes, I’m so thankful that there are still so many people in our country that continue to cherish their God-given freedoms and blessings…so many who continue to uplift and hold to all that is moral and good. So many who still sit around the dinner table and have meaningful conversations.
So many who still go to church, gather for potlucks, and enjoy family time together. So many who are still kind, friendly, appreciative, selfless and respectful. So many who are still willing to sacrifice and give their all, even if that means giving their life so we all can remain free.
Thankfully, there are still many who will watch the fireworks this 4th of July and be truly moved and truly grateful for all God’s done. I am especially thankful for those who still recognize that America has only been great because God is good.
Even though things are drastically different and today’s America does not resemble yesterday’s, I know my family and I are still blessed to live in the U.S.A.
And moving forward, I have full assurance and peace that although America may have changed, our God has not! Our true home still awaits us, and for that I am forever thankful, and my heart can always rejoice!
Happy Independence Day, Everyone!
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).