Why I'm (still) proud to be an American

Yes...you read that title correctly. I'm (still) proud to be an American.

The world is not my "home"...but right now I live here.

And I care deeply about where our country is going.

Do I believe that we have major problems?

Yes.

But despite all the crazy stuff going on, I'm (still) proud to be an American.

For some reason, a person gets persecuted these days for saying that.

As a person of faith, I know that all the people of the world are on the same level at the foot of the cross. We are all deeply loved by our Creator- no matter where we live.

Still, I love my country.

I still get tears in my eyes when the National Anthem is played or sung. I can't help it.

I'm moved by the countless people who have given their lives to protect my freedom.

I still put my hand on my heart when reciting the pledge of allegiance. I must.

Fighting for what we feel is right- is right-

especially when it concerns things we hold sacred, timeless and true.

Worshiping without fear is priceless.

Although we don't all agree, freedom is worth the sting of the debate.

Diversity is beautiful.

I can speak my mind and practice free speech... for now.

We can choose to agree- and disagree.

I have a voice. I can make a difference.

I have grave concerns about this country I love.

There are areas that cause me to fear for her future.

Some days I have to squint to recognize her.

But I still thank God for America- without apology.

And pray for her and her people- fervently.

Beauty of Love Divine

Check out this Sonnet by Michelangelo: The course of my life has brought me now Through a stormy sea, in a frail ship, To the common port where, landing We account for every deed, wretched or holy. So that finally I see How wrong the fond illusion was That made art my idol and my King, Leading me to want what harmed me. My amorous fancies, once foolish and happy What sense have they now that I approach two deaths The first of which I know is sure, the second threatening. Let neither painting nor carving any longer calm My soul turned to that divine Love Who to embrace us, opened His arms upon the cross. - On the Brink of Death , To Giorgio Vasari, Sonnet LXV WOW. This reminds me to think of life in reverse. It may seem weird, but looking at the end - or starting with the end in mind - can give us perspective. When we think (like Michelangelo did here) from the perspective of death, suddenly many things we chase after seem insignificant and deceptive. Things...

New Year Resolutions Worth Keeping

I can hear the audible sigh already. New year resolutions – why bother? Here’s the thing… often we trip over them because of our internal baggage. We start out with good intentions, only to end up in self-sabotage. • We want to be gentler on ourselves, but continue with negative self-talk We want to start (fill in the blank), but have no plan • We want to change a behavior, but don’t deal with underlying, contributing emotional issues • We want to get out of debt, but don't really want to do what it takes • We want to take steps towards a goal or a dream, but allow fear to hold us back What if we made our internal lives a priority this year? What if we focused on what we can do to build our character and energize our spirits instead of yearly external resolutions? A rich internal life makes us a better, more mature person. After all, everything trickles down from our inner lives anyway. This is why God makes the “heart” a priority - for all attitud...

Character Over Comfort & Control

Control. We all want it. We don't always get it. Sometimes we get it, then decide we don't want it. Sigh. In my life I've come to recognize control as an old familiar acquaintance, continually proving that my sense of having it is simply an illusion. Just when I think I have it, it's often yanked from my groping hands and there's not much I can do about it. When we feel like we are in control, we often feel pretty comfortable with it. You may tell yourself you've earned it. You may snatch it away from someone else and justify it. You may hoard it, thinking no one can hurt you. You may sacrifice pieces of your character to have it. You may hide behind it. When we feel out of control, we often feel frantic. Why are we afraid to let go of it? we feel weak we feel uncomfortable we feel ineffective we feel frustrated we feel exposed we feel like we are floundering, grasping we wonder what will happen and how we...

Michelle Renee Speaks

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