I am thankful for the country where I was born. I do not take that blessing lightly. But even with that gratitude, my heart is heavy because of the division, anger, and negative seeds that have taken root and grown among us.
What saddens me most is the disruption we see in politics, race, and religion. Too many people have become consumed with deciding who belongs and who does not. Instead of seeing one another as people made in God’s image, we often label each other as “the other.” That kind of thinking does not bring healing. It only creates more wounds (Gen. 1:27).
It is especially sad to think about this as our nation celebrated its 250th anniversary. We should be reflecting on what it means to pursue liberty, justice, and the common good. Yet we see people marching with covered faces and calling it patriotism. We see Christian leaders using their influence to divide instead of bringing people together around truth, humility, love, and righteousness. We see politicians who stir up fear instead of seeking what is good for everyone who lives in this country.
When we say, “God bless America,” those words should not be empty. If we truly want God’s blessing, we must also care about God’s ways (Ps. 95:10, Heb. 3:10). We cannot ask God to bless what is broken while refusing to face the brokenness. We cannot ask for healing while continuing to plant seeds of hatred, pride, racism, selfishness, and division.
Acts 17:26 reminds us that God made all people from one source and placed people in their appointed times and places. In simple terms, none of us are here by accident. God knew when we would live, where we would be born, and the boundaries of our lives. But His purpose was never for us to use our place of birth as a reason for pride, superiority, or exclusion. His purpose was for us to seek Him, find Him, and live in a way that reflects His heart.
If God placed us here, then we have a responsibility here. We are called to love our neighbors, tell the truth, defend what is right, care for the vulnerable, and reject anything that treats people as less than human. Patriotism should not mean worshiping a nation. It should mean wanting the nation to become more just, more honest, more compassionate, and more pleasing to God.
Scripture teaches that if God’s people truly desire healing, we must humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways (2 Chron. 7:14). That means repentance must start with us. It is not enough to point fingers at everyone else. We must ask God to search our own hearts, correct our own attitudes, and teach us to live with mercy, courage, and truth (Ps. 129:23.
I am grateful for my birthplace, but I am praying for more than celebration. I am praying for conviction. I am praying for humility. I am praying for hearts to change. And I am praying that we stop using God’s name to cover division and instead allow God’s truth to lead us toward healing.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2026