I’m not a big sports fan. I’ve never been one to root for an NFL, WNBA, soccer team, or NASCAR driver. The only team I routinely cheer for is Team USA. Yep, I’m a red, white, and blue wearing avid fan of the United States of America. With the exception of my own family, no other team holds my heart the same way.
Team USA has had some crushingly tough seasons lately. Most recently, the killings in Charleston, South Carolina tore at the heart of us. Our fellow Americans – neighbors, family and friends murdered for deranged reasons. I found myself wondering how much more tragedy can the USA take? How much more yelling and tearing at and killing one another before the USA that I love is reduced to a shadow of its potential?
The loved ones of the victims in Charleston reached deep and showed us a way. That is if we’re smart enough, big enough, and patriotic enough to pay attention. In the face of the unspeakable, they were generous and forgiving. While so many are uncivil and sanctimonious, they stood as an example for us to follow.
As tends to happen when high-minded leadership emerges, others follow. The confederate flag appears to have lost its political supporters and businesses took it off their shelves. A symbol of our worst selves was finally recognized as just that.
The other night, David and I watched a big bald eagle nab a fish in the river. It struggled to hold onto the fish as it flew out of the water. Sometimes the weight of what you try to catch takes you down.
Team USA was built out of blood, sweat, and monumental ideas. I wonder sometimes if we still have the heart it takes to lift such heavy ideals and fly.
So this July 4th weekend, during the parades and fireworks, I’m going to be wearing my red, white, and blue and rooting for Team USA. And I’m going to be hoping with all I have that, just like that big bald, we can hold onto something great and take flight. Because I love this country with all my heart. I know many of you do too.
Happy Birthday America. Good times or bad, I’m always going to be a big fan.
Diane Smith is the founder and CEO of American Rural where she works to create greater awareness of the growing opportunities for those who choose to live, work and prosper in rural and small town America. Learn more about Diane by following her column here or visit American Rural at AmericanRural.org.