What is the American Spirit?

Let me quote Carly Fiorina, who is wanting to replace Senator Barbara Boxer in California. I think she describes the “American Spirit” best.

“I believe every person has enormous potential if they are given the freedom and the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. With all the challenges we face as a nation, it’s easy to become dispirited. But we are Americans, and when things get tough, we never lose sight of what makes ours the greatest country in the world – our soul and our spirit. . .Carly Fiorina”

The American Spirit began with those who settled this nation.

Early settlers had to fight in order to survive the challenges this land presented to them. They had to tame the land first and then develop a cooperative relationship with the natives before they could prosper in America. As if these challenges were not enough, they had to fight against England’s attempts to claim America for themselves. In addition, they had to deal with high taxation and tariffs that England placed on them for everything brought to America.

It was the strength of character these people had that made this country what it is today. Without these struggles, we would not have all that we have today. Because the early settlers learned to survive the land and the challenges it presented to them, we have a toughened spirit that gives us the strength we need to overcome whatever challenge we face today–it’s embedded in us.

Thanks to our founding fathers

The choice to embrace God (or not to) and share our faith with others as a source of strength is the gift of freedom that the founding fathers fought to establish. I appreciate the right to share and exercise my faith, especially when I see the suffering of others who do not have this right. It is upon this foundation that the fabric of our Constitution is formed.

brave souls have sacrificed a great deal to protect this right. I am forever indebted to all those who gave so much, enduring great difficulties and hardships to keep this freedom alive and strong for all of us to enjoy today. We cannot allow the tendency of a few (especially judges) to subvert the privilege of exercis-ing our faith. Of course, we let them do that when we will not stand up for ourselves. We can help protect this right by voting and by sending letters to our representatives.

Part of our nation’s pledge, “One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” means so much to most Americans. It reflects the many sacrifices made on our behalf. We must never forget what this pledge means to us who live in a land where all citizens can enjoy this freedom. We should respect and even revere their sacrifices. We need to remember the enormous price that paid for the freedom we now profit from, and that our future generations will benefit from as well.

May God help us if we ever come to the point that we forget or show a blatant disregard for the significance of this pledge or, heaven forbid, we neglect to show an allegiance to the United States of America. This is why we must be united in protecting our freedom. Nevertheless, if we become neglectful or complacent about this right, I trust that somehow God will re-mind us of the price tag for this privilege.