"The USA is often considered the best country in the world due to its unmatched global economic power, foundational commitment to personal liberty, and diverse career opportunities. Furthermore, it leads in scientific innovation and cultural influence, and boasts an incredibly secure geographic position." ~ Patrick Henry College

Hello and welcome to our time together, this one being connected as Thursday, July 2, 2026. Thanks so much for showing up as we here in the states, (that's how the United States is often referred to both near and far), are getting ready for the official recognition of the 250th celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That would be July 4th and it dates back to 1776. One of the interesting things I have been seeing are the comments of those from foreign countries who have traveled to the United States for the world cup soccer matches. Many of them talk about how they were led to believe that America had become, under President Trump in particular, a wasteland. This meant they were to be in fear of their lives the entirety of their time here. America in decline was the propaganda they had been fed prior to their arrival. Was this information disseminated by some underground terrorist organization? No! These ideas were promoted by the mainstream media originating right here in our country, the so called mainstream media. They, essentially, are rooting for America to fail. Some might remember the unbelievable push back and condemnation of the late Rush Limbaugh when he said he hoped, "President Obama would fail." Limbaugh's comments pertained to the expressed policies promoted by then President Obama and it had nothing to do with his animus towards the President. Fast forward to today: It's 100% connected to fire breathing hatred for a person, President Donald Trump. They wallowed in their feigned and alarmed responses to Limbaugh, but, now, oh but now, they want our nation to fail because they hate the man who sits at the desk in the Oval Office. Well, how's that going for them? Not so good with those visiting our great country. They have found what many of them have expressed to be the exact opposite of what they had been fed. Americans are a welcoming people. America is not in decline and they experienced all types of connections that seemed incredible to them, given what they were told. Whether it was a brisket sandwich at Buckees, or, seeing people come to their aid when they ended up needing help or direction, the interviews I saw indicated the stunning differences between actuality and what our President often calls it, 'fake news'.

 

The views expressed in the previous paragraph reflects a combined understanding from the team of Me, Myself, and I, and, this team approved its content.  Do I think everything is Tony the Tiger G-R-E-A-T! in America? Absolutely not. Do I think President Donald Trump is the answer to America's challenges? He could be used to accomplish things within the will and plan of The Almighty, but, truth is, only God can right the wrongs that permeate our fallen nation. President Trump, his opponents, his supporters, and, even his haters all have a need to recognize their lost condition and turn to God's provision through Jesus Christ as their only hope, personally, and, our only hope collectively as a nation. I hear some murmuring out there since this sounds too simplistic. Right? It is simplistic. Turn to God or turn back to God and seek Him as a way forward for our country. When we respond to Him and His ways, He will do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Until that happens, I fear we will do the best we can, knowing the believers are the ones currently holding off judgment, therefore, we should do, for the sake of future generations, do all we can to enlarge that base of believers. We should. We really should. Here's the way our Savior put it: Matthew 5:14-16 ~ New Century Version ~ "You are the light that gives light to the world. A city that is built on a hill cannot be hidden. And people don’t hide a light under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand so the light shines for all the people in the house. In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven." Amen.

 

PS: This morning, the wife and I will be venturing down to the Houston Medical Center area for an appointment with a esophageal specialist's specialist. She has had a number of issues over the years along with two surgical procedures, but, the specialist here in our area told us she needed to see a doctor known to be an expert in this arena. It reminds me of when we used to play checkers and they would proclaim, "Crown me!" Please whisper a prayer for us as we commute into that maize of entangled roadways along with her visit. Thanks so much and may God add His blessings. Amen.