How About Just Being an American?
By Coach James Rodriguez
I’m tired of being labeled. One day I’m called a Conservative, the next a Liberal, then a Socialist, then a Nazi. Enough! How about this—I’m a United States American.
I am someone who chooses to see the love of God in everything, while also recognizing that sin is alive and well in this world. I know that people fall short of the glory of God. I know we are imperfect. But I also know that we can strive to be better—better humans, better neighbors, better leaders, better brothers and sisters.
I believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt until their consistent actions show me who they really are. That is what true discernment is.
Right now, my heart is heavy—for my family, my friends, my brothers and sisters in Christ, my fellow Americans, and for humanity itself. We are drowning in hate and division, and let’s be clear: that is not of God.
One side cries out for revenge, and when truth comes out, it wasn’t even the other side. Then the other side responds without empathy, without love, digging up proof to justify why they feel the way they do. Both sides cling to hate, while insisting they don’t.
Here’s the truth: only through Christ can we find healing. Only through Christ can our hearts and minds be opened again to love our neighbor, our family, our friends, our brothers and sisters.
So I pray—God, open the hearts and minds of everyone who reads this. Break the chains of anger. Let them become living examples of humility, love, acceptance, and the power of Your grace.
Because at the end of the day, we are not Conservative or Liberal, Right or Left. We are human beings, created in the image of God. And the only label that matters is this: Loved by Him.