A New Kind of Patriotism

Over the last ten years or so, I have struggled with the 4th of July and celebrating America.  I am sure part of that comes from living overseas for so many years and feeling like a foreign country is now part of my definition of home.  But, I think there is more to it than that.  Since returning the the US, the patriotism I have encountered is a flexing of the biceps, manly grunting, "look at how tough we are" kind of patriotism.  It is a militant, arrogant statement of "we are better than them and thank you, Lord, for recognizing that" kind of patriotism that has left a sour taste in my mouth.

But I struggle because I do appreciate the land of my birth.  I know it is a great privilege to live here.  Also, as an Army brat, I do want to honor those who have made the commitment and sacrifice to serve in our military.  But as a country and a people, I know we have some problems that need to be addressed and still have a lot of learn. 

As my husband and I journeyed west to California, I spent much of the time in awe of the changing landscape from the sweeping green plains, to the majestic mountains, to the desolate deserts.  Along the way, I imagined the hardships and joys of those sojourners from long ago, who traveled without a car and paved highway.  I envisioned Native Americans freely riding wild mustangs across the rolling hills and through ravines.  We listened to a lot of Rich Mullins' songs on our trip as well.  I realized that he loved America, but had the proper perspective of the land that I have been looking for.  He sees the beauty of the land, and celebrates it as God's creation.  He sees the beauty of the people, and celebrates them as God's children. I think he says it best in his song, "Here in America" from A Liturgy, a Legacy, and a Ragamuffin Band:

Saints and children we have gathered here to hear the sacred story
And I'm glad to bring it to you with my best rhyming and rhythm
'Cause I know the thirsty listen and down to the waters come
 
And the Holy King of Israel loves me here in America
 
And if you listen to my songs I hope you hear the water falling
I hope you feel the oceans crashing on the coast of north New England
I wish I could be there just to see them, two summers past I was
 
And the Holy King of Israel loves me here in America
 
And if I were a painter I do not know which I'd paint
The calling of the ancient stars or assembling of the saints
And there's so much beauty around us for just two eyes to see
But everywhere I go I'm looking
 
And once I went to Appalachia for my father he was born there
And I saw the mountains waking with the innocence of children
And my soul is still there with them wrapped in the songs they brought
 
And the Holy King of Israel loves me here in America
 
And I've seen by the highways on a million exit ramps
Those two-legged memorials to the laws of happenstance
Waiting for four-wheeled messiahs to take them home again
But I am home anywhere if You are where I am
 
And if you listen to my songs I hope you hear the water falling
I hope you feel the oceans crashing on the coast of north New England
I wish I could be there just to see them, two summers past I was

And the Holy King of Israel loves me here in America

So, I am seeking to adopt a new kind of patriotism that recognizes God as Creator and Sustainer of this land, but remembers that this is just a temporary home.  I am seeking to be welcoming of those God brings into my path here in this land by reflecting His love.  And I know that the Holy King of Israel loves me here in America and wherever He may take me.