What makes America great?  Perhaps no question has been debated and discussed more during the past 200(+) years.  How can we answer it without delving into our country’s founding and early years?  How can we know what America stands for if we know little about the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and our founding fathers?

After watching a TV program this morning that focused on the importance of knowing our country’s true history, I concede that I am guilty.  Guilty of not informing myself of our country’s history, guilty of not knowing many facts about our foundation.  Oh, I know vague, general facts.  I believe our country was founded on Godly principles, and I do not believe that U.S. history is accurately being taught to many children in our country.  But could I argue this stance persuasively without knowing supporting, factual details?  No, I could not.  If I do not know the foundational facts of our history, how can I convince anyone else that change is needed?

I am too complacent, too apathetic, and too busy.  Most of us are.  If we continue taking for granted what we’ve had for so long, we soon won’t have it anymore.  I heard Edmond Burke quoted today: Burke said, “All that’s necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing.”

What can I do?  I am busy and frankly quite often overwhelmed with my life.  There.  I admit it.  I have so far to go in trusting and resting in God.  So…do I just give up and quit because I fail so often at being patient and keeping my priorities in order?  No!  That’s just what the devil wants.  I want to let God change me.  I want to be a woman of faith whatever my circumstances are.  I’m not at that point yet.

Back to my question: “What can I do?”  What does God want me to do?  Is it too late to do anything for our country?  Are the final pieces in place and our fate sealed?  Is there a point in trying to do anything?  YES.

I am determining to learn more about the history of our country.  What really happened with the founding of our country?  What did our founding fathers believe?  Why did they come here and start this country?  Why were so many men willing to die so that I could have freedom today?  That last question is such a key issue.

Men were willing to die without even enjoying the freedom I have.  They were willing to sacrifice everything for the future.  Why shouldn’t I be willing to at least learn and help others learn what our country is really about?  Even if I knew today that I would not gain anything from learning the truth, there is good reason to do it.  If I help one person, if I make any difference in even one life, it is worth it.  Even if no one listens and no one changes, my life will change.  I will be different from learning the truth.

I want to learn about the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.  I want to learn as much as I can about our founding fathers and our history.  None of us should complacently accept what someone tells us.  We need to find out the truth because only then can we defend what we believe.  I want to know the truth, and I want to make a difference.

May God help us all to passionately seek truth by seeking Him.  He will guide us to it if we really want to know.

Jesus said, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:31-32).