We celebrated the birthday of America this week. One of the things we did to mark the event was to tour the North Carolina State House. When the kids were little, we stopped at every state capitol we passed on our epic road trips. Somehow we missed Raleigh, but we have now rectified that. Lawmakers no longer gather here so it mostly houses commemorative displays including some very old American flags. Between the glass protection and bright lights behind and above, I struggled to get decent photos but figured I could jazz them up with Befunky photo editing later.
Like nearly everyone else in the country I have grown weary of the violence and hatred that is so abundant right now. I needed a break, and Monday provided it.
Looking at these antiquated flags reminded me that we Americans have a lot to be thankful for:
For people who had the courage to face the consequences of declaring our independence.
For a government that changes leadership in the highest office of the land every four to eight years without bloodshed or battle.
For unity that has stood the test of time and differences of opinion.
For the right to peacefully assemble
to express our deepest convictions
in what we are right to believe should be a manner free from bodily harm from someone attempting to stifle our voices.
For the fact that everyone--those I find brilliant and those I find buffoons--is expressly given the right of free speech. It is not always easy, but it is never boring.
For a land of natural beauty from sea to shining sea
filled with people who possess basic goodness. May we all work to get in touch with our own personal goodness again so that the whole country can benefit, because all this hatred and violence...we are better than that, and we all need a break.
I don't understand a lot of what happened in the US this week, but that is our world today. Your country is also so full of immensely beautiful places and people too.
ReplyDeleteToo often lately the beautiful is being overshadowed by the downright ugly unfortunately.
DeleteWhat a neat thing to do - visit all the state capitols. Sounds exciting and educational!
ReplyDeleteThe kids seemed to enjoy it when we were doing it. It was fun this time around that the visit was suggested by the two grown kids we happened to be with for the holiday.
DeleteThx for commenting on my blog from Mama Kat. That's too bad the record ended up on the roof. Have you got it on DVD now?
DeleteNope. Far as I know it has melted into the shingles and is helping protect the US Post Office by now! Have you heard the song btw? Because my brothers had a point!
DeleteI agree, there comes a time when we need (to find a way) to step back, or maybe it's better to say, we need to find away to interrupt the emotional momentum that can build up when, every day, we are witness to such bad and negative things. It takes an effort, as culture has excelled at developing the means to project news and information (good and bad, tragic and inspiring), but sometimes we need to stop. and get back to ourselves, within.
ReplyDeletecool road trip idea
You make a really good point about how well we constantly bombard ourselves with news (or what passes for it) in our country. Relentless.
DeleteWe are better than that and I hope we can find a way to show that we are by putting the hate and the fear aside. Thanks for sharing this inspiring post.
ReplyDeleteWe really are better...I want to believe that so much!
DeleteYes. The problems can be overwhelming, but we can do what we can do in our own little way--be kind, make our homes havens of peace, and speak up for goodness.
ReplyDeleteHavens of peace...that speaks to my heart, Kristi. Thanks for that.
DeleteYour break from the way things are was so worth it. There is way too much violence going on. Thank God that we can get away from it and find a sort of solace such as what you showed us here in this post. Beautifully crafted by the way.
ReplyDeleteThank you. The hatred and violence are overwhelming. That makes this weekly exercise in finding positive so essential to my mental health.
DeleteIt is especially awful. I am not sure hot hate mongers have found such an audience, but I am ready for the pendulum to swing away from the vitriol.
ReplyDeleteI think the best approach is to focus on what is right in front of us and start there - small, purposeful acts of humanity and kindness. And turn off the TV.
ReplyDeleteI think you are a wise woman!
DeleteWell said May! I add my "Amen" to all that you said. I think we are all weary of the hatred and violence going on right now. If we would all have the integrity and courage to put differences aside we would realize how truly blessed we are to live in the greatest nation on earth. Our forefathers fought long and hard to give us the land of the free. I think it's time everyone start showing appreciation. It happens one act of kindness at a time. One kind word at a time. So much can be solved with love and compassion for all.
ReplyDeleteIt seems compassion is in short supply these days, doesn't it?
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