Through countless trials and hardships America has shown her strength and courage, reaching out with compassion and aid, at home and abroad.  Americans rally around others with love, generosity and courage as the need arrives.  They give of their possessions, time, money and hospitality.  Nowhere else on earth will you find people with such character.  In times of trouble they unite with hope, purpose and support.

            “I salute you America!  It is no wonder so many want to come to your shores.”

            This country, built on a strong foundation, has remained strong.  America has had her share of those who would attack.  Yet red-blooded Americans lock arms, standing in unselfish unity.  This “one nation under God” has proven its solidarity.  I am thankful for those in leadership who have realized the importance of Proverbs 14:34:  “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people”  (NIV).

            The arms of America have embraced the teeming masses.  Living in America is a privilege…a privilege that needs to be acknowledged, demanding responsible citizenship, obedience to laws and an appreciation for freedom.

            To live in this nation and enjoy its freedom to bring harm or danger to it is the worst kind of crime to me. 

            It offends me to hear my country demeaned, ridiculed or criticized.  I love this nation…America, my home.  Despite the murmurings and complaining by some, America is still the greatest place on earth with unselfish brave people who want the highest good for others and always lending a helping hand.

            So what is right about America?  Many things.  Here are just a few:

            “Old Glory waving high, with hands on hearts and teary eyes.

            A church choir singing those grand old hymns.  Everyone giving a hearty ‘Amen.’

            Saying allegiance to the flag of our land.  Loving the sound of a marching band.

            Beautiful mountains with snow capped peaks.  Lowly hills with winding creeks

            The farmers gather the harvest of fall with the flying of geese as they give their call.

            Caring people give a helping hand to those in need across the land.

            I love to read about “more than conquerors” in Romans 9:36-39:  “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (NIV).

            To the many compassionate volunteers and workers who have gone the second mile to help the victims of the Katrina hurricane I say a big “thank you.”  The debt of gratitude cannot be measured.  You are encouraging the heavy-hearted.  You are giving people hope and that hope leads to healing and restoration.  You are sending assurance to hurting souls.  You are my heroes who make this country the “land of the free and the home of the brave.”  You see a need and fill it.  You give and keep giving.  You bless your own life by blessing others.  You are those wonderful people who turn tragedy into triumph, refusing to let trials dictate life’s circumstances.  You are over comers who will not succumb to defeat.  You exemplify James 2:8: …”Love your neighbor as you love yourself (NCV).  

            This land is the heritage of our forefathers.  It has been bought with blood, tears and sorrow.  We will live by the truths this country was founded upon.  We will not be defeated.  I will never take America for granted.  This land is my land and I love it.

            God bless America!

            It is “La Casa de Bendicion.”  (House of Blessing)