Love It Or Leave It...
On this 242nd birthday of this nation and in these divided times, here is something to ponder. Recently I have seen post and comments from a multitude of political opinions and positions, some I agree with some I take issue with. But of all of the comments that disturb me the most and bring my anger to the surface, the fastest is, "America! Love it or leave it!" Those who make this statement are short-sighted and a juvenile understanding of love. America is, in relation to other nations of the world, a toddler, just emerging from her infancy. As any parent of a toddler knows, they can be self-centered, defiant and sometimes even petulant! Given all of those behaviors, you do not stop loving them! Those behaviors may anger you and even make you sad, but you do not abandon them! You attempt to correct, you show guidance and patience, you teach them a better way! America is still emerging, changing and growing. As you could never imagine abandoning a child because they have disappointed you, telling someone to, "love it or leave it", is in the same breath! When I took my oath as a serviceman the line that I remember to this day is, "...I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic;..." I love it even when it doesn't love me back, I will defend it, even when it doesn't defend me, I will honor it even when it dishonors me by its actions! True love is not always liking the one you love but loving them anyway because you know who they truly are will always, eventually shine through! Happy Birthday America, I'm not happy with you at the moment, but I love you anyway! #Happy4thofJuly #AmericasBirthday #242years #SheMayStumbleButSheWillNeverFall
