A few days ago, my son and daughter (pictured above) asked to make an American Flag. Why? I'm still not sure, but it caused me to ask myself, what am I going to teach my children about America and the American flag? What does it mean? What does it mean to be an American? To be honest it's gotten pretty confusing lately. All of the major events since the turn of the century (wars, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, social change, economic trouble, racial strife, etc.) have left my head spinning.
I grew up in the 80's when being a Christian meant being a patriotic republican in many circles. The pendulum has really swung the other way as far as that goes and left me struggling with what do I teach my kids about being a Christian and an American. Long story short, here's where I've landed for now. Many people have done infinitely better research and writing on this subject than I could ever could, but I believe that whatever else America might be, the most important thing that makes America America is this line from the Declaration of Independence. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men,..." Coming out of the monarchies of Europe (England in particular), this one concept had to be the most revolutionary thing about the American Revolution - all men, not just the rich, not just the powerful, not just the royal, not just the [fill in the blank], are created equal. Every life has intrinsic value that no one can take away or diminish because every person has been made in the image of God. And governments exist to protect and provide benefit for the people it rules over. That's quite different from the centuries (millennia really) of empires and kingdoms built on the work, sweat, and blood of everyday people who existed to benefit those who ruled over them. Now we all know it has taken a long time for this great, revolutionary idea to be applied to all Americans. In 1963, almost 200 years later, Dr. Martin Luther King rightfully reminded us that the promise of the Declaration of Independence had not yet been applied to all Americans, especially African Americans, in his "I have a dream" speech. He reminded us that it was time, way past time, to apply that great revolutionary truth to all the citizens of this country. Whatever else America is, this is what America can and should be - it should be a place where everyone has value, dignity, and worth, not because the government grants it, but because we are all made by God. It's why we fought WW II. It's why we believed communism was wrong. It's why we are a generous country. It's an idea that's worth dying for and I believe its why thousands upon thousands have made the supreme sacrifice for this nation. There are many problems in our country, of course, but I believe most of them can be solved by coming back to this one great truth that our founders fathers wrote that day back in 1776.
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I love hearing those words! I don't remember how it started but recently my kids have been asking me almost daily to tell them stories from when I was a kid. I have so many great memories from my childhood, and having grown up on a farm, some great stories to tell (like the time I was run over by a herd of sheep, the time I hit my sister in the head with a weed whacker, and the time...well, you get the idea).
My childhood was a very happy time in my life. I often wish I could go back and visit those days. But, the other day, we were all at home with our three kids (ages 4, 2, and 1) and the sound of their laughter took my breath away - it's amazing to have a house filled with children laughing, giggling, and singing (now screaming on the other hand, not so much). I thought to myself, this is by far the happiest time of my life - experiencing childhood again, but from the other side of it. It's so cool to see everything all new again through fresh eyes. SIDENOTE: I really appreciate my parents' hard work and sacrifices more than ever these days! These kids are such a blessing from God (Psalm 127:3). And then we were at my wife's parents' house a couple days ago and the excitement my kids feel about going there to see Nana and Papa makes me feel so good. They LOVE Nana and Papa and they love their Grandma and Pap too (although they don't get to see them as much). It occurred to me that God, in His generosity, gives us yet a third time to experience the joy and magic of childhood - as a grandparent. All of the fun, and none of the hard work (just sugar them up and send them home with mom and dad!). Another blessing from God (Proverbs 17:6). So what does all of this mean? I think God uses childhood, children, and grandchildren to remind us how we should relate to God - with complete trust and confidence. Luke 18:15-17 tells us that Jesus loved kids and that having faith like a child is the key to entering the kingdom of God. I have learned so much about God being a parent, but most importantly I've realized that if God loves me even more than I love my kids (and I know God loves me, and them, much more than I ever could), then I have nothing to ever fear or worry about again. The wonder and mystery of childhood is that Someone is looking out for me, taking care of me, and loves me more than I can possibly understand. Thank you God for childhood. |
WHO I AM
I'm a follower of Jesus, husband to my lovely wife Judy, father of Evangelina, Micah, Josiah, and Jeremiah, missionary to the northeast United States and advocate for all things youth ministry. WHAT I DO
I am the northeast regional coordinator for the National Network of Youth Ministries. I've worked for the last 24 years as the co-executive director of Teens For Christ, a ministry that equips teenagers to share their faith in their schools. I also served on staff at Cherry Tree Alliance Church for 15 years as youth pastor and family life pastor. My Websites
Youth Ministry Consultations Youth Ministry Networking 9 Month Mission Trip Speaking at camps, retreats, youth groups, etc. Archives
March 2022
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