I have lived in this great country for 29 years, which is double the time I lived in Brazil. In South Carolina, I was exposed to my first Shakespeare plays and some of the finest art in the world. It was in Pennsylvania where I committed my life to Gospel ministry. In Florida, I met my wife and received all of my theological training, and I currently reside as a pastor. I have traveled this country extensively from Miami, FL, to Moscow, ID, and from York, ME, to Los Angeles, CA.
I love this country and treasure its history, people, and land. I believe in the Declaration of Rights and Grievances and the Presbyterian Revolution of 1776. I believe in the Boston Tea Party. I believe in the first constitutional republic of this world.
While much of my Brazilian tendencies remain, I believe in the American way of life and culture. I believe in its unique ability to react at the first sight of government abuse. The COVID response was a uniquely American response. It wasn’t in England, and certainly not in Australia or even my birth country. We produced Fauci, but we also produced millions of anti-Fauci apologists. We stood against tyranny because it was an American thing to do. The world watched, while many of us held our “hell-no” signs in word and deed.
When Chesterton came to the U.S. in 1921, he needed to stop by the consulate to receive his passport. He was asked to answer certain questions. One was, “Are you in favor of subverting the government of the United States by force?” His response: “I prefer to answer that question at the end of my tour and not the beginning.” This comedic gold is a bit of the American dream, which is more than merely enjoying the blessedness of America’s culture but it’s the ingrained sense that Americans are at ease challenging themselves and confronting themselves when wrong-doing is at bay.
There are plenty of concerns that any decent American citizen should have about the trajectory of our nation. The Christian Church in this country should fight for the crown rights of King Jesus in every sphere. We must stand against every moral depravity parading our streets. But the fascinating thing is that though we are being led by a confederacy of dunces, we are still overwhelmingly generous as a nation. And with the exception of large cities run by Democrats, the country is overwhelmingly stunning and fruitful. Evangelical churches abound. This Fourth of July will still be overwhelmingly pleasant and delicious, and patriotic.
Yes, we still live on borrowed Puritan capital, but that heritage is far from done. Revival is always present, and reformation is always occurring. There is great hope for this nation because it is hopeful. There is great hope for this nation because God has not abandoned his Church in America. America is worth preserving, fighting, and defending.
Happy Independence Day to the greatest nation on earth!
May God bless America!
