Recently I’ve read posts on social media saying things like “I am embarrassed by America” or “I’m ashamed of America”, sentiments expressed over the craziness that is our country at this time in history.  Whether you agree or disagree with who is in office or what is happening within our government, I think we’re forgetting one important thing.  The person in office is NOT America and the government is NOT America.  I am America.  Are you ashamed of me?

Yes, I am America, as are my friends, family and neighbors.  Most Americans I know are hard working, kind, trustworthy people who get up every day, do their jobs, contribute to their communities and love their families.  To say I am ashamed of America would be an insult to these great people.  And these people come from all sides of the political spectrum, all of them trying to do what they believe is right, with no ulterior motive other than to make a life for themselves and their families. Like me.  Are you ashamed of me?

I compare this to those who talk negatively about “the church”. Yes, there are issues within organized religion and perhaps within denominations, but the church is not the building and it’s not those who govern, it is the PEOPLE.  And again, most of those people are going to church because they understand they are not perfect, that they need to meet with others to improve themselves, to study words of wisdom from a higher power, and to work together to help others.  Like me.  Are you ashamed of me?

It’s easy for us to blame and be angered by big institutions, maybe because we feel so powerless against them.  People at that level often seem out-of-touch with those of us who have to deal with their decisions and policies on a day to day basis, perhaps never having to deal with the consequences of those decisions themselves.  And so, with this sense of powerlessness comes anger, fear and sadness which causes us to say and do things we might not otherwise.  Saying and doing things that mirror the very institutions that we are ashamed of and embarrassed by.  Things we would never say to the people we work and live and play with every day.  Like me.  Are you ashamed of me?

Like you, I too am discouraged by the behavior of those who are supposed to be representing us, but what I see from America is what I believe America has always tried to be.  There are Americans who are not just complaining about what’s going on but those who are DOING something about it.  Because when adversity rears its ugly head, Americans get to work making things right.  Making things better.  Focusing on those things and issues that we are passionate about and trying to make a difference.  In our homes, in our schools, in our workplaces and in our government.  Sometimes I think it takes something like this to knock us out of our complacency, to make us less apathetic.  To get behind those things we believe in and to push against those things we know are wrong.  This is the America I choose to believe in and why I’m not ashamed of America.

Let us use our words on social media to encourage and motivate our friends, family and neighbors to work to change the status quo, not to anger them or make them more fearful.  I know that if I allow myself to read too much I tend to get overwhelmed and discouraged.  Nobody needs that.  Share instead what you’re doing to make a difference, not to brag about it, but to encourage others to follow your example.

Are you still ashamed of me?  Are you ashamed of my family and friends?  Are you ashamed of yourself?  Because we ALL are America.