"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed." – Luke 4:18

Some people have said that patriotism is corny. In fact, they might even go so far as to say that it works against peace because too much attention is focused on one nation, thereby giving way to a disregard for the concerns and needs of others around the globe.

I respectfully disagree. If ever there's been a country that has a genuine concern for the people of the world, it's America. That's not to say we don't have our faults. We do. But no other country has reached out more often to help the oppressed, offered financial and physical aid to people and countries in need, or given more of its best young men and women to fight battles on foreign shores with no intention of expanding our borders or filling our national coffers.

Nowhere in the world will you find more natural, breathtaking beauty. America's spectacular mountains, great valleys, roaming rivers, and "fruited" fields stretch from shore to shore, beckoning all to come and stay.

Touch the heart throb of Americans and you'll find an extremely strong inclination toward generosity. American capitalism encourages people to make all the money they can and, then, give all they can.

America is a collage of many faces, colors, cultures, and nations. And the inspiring words of Emma Lazarus inscribed on Lady Liberty's pedestal still ring true: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free….!"

Our message to the world is that we desire freedom and peace for all. And we are willing to pay any price for it – but never at the expense of our own freedom.

America is a nation deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian values. She began as a miracle, and God has always been a vital part of her history. Today, there are some in society who want to take God out of the fabric of our great country. But they can never remove God from the hearts of Americans!

Ask me again, "What’s right with America?" My answer remains unchanged: "Take a look around. Open your eyes. See America with optimism." And thank God for her!

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Eternal Father, we praise You for the freedoms we enjoy as a country. May Your strong and mighty hand encourage our leaders to be bold for You. Grant wisdom to all who are in a position to make decisions. Help them do what is right to ensure freedom for all people.

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Prayer:
To hoard freedom is to lose it; to give it away is to preserve it.