Patriotism and Politics Are Not the Same Thing.

It’s true! You may not like who sits in the White House, but you can still love your country and celebrate 250 years of freedom.

Some people struggle to separate patriotism from politics. And that’s a shame. The very reason we’re free to disagree with our leaders, voice our opinions, and vote for change is because generations of brave Americans sacrificed to protect those freedoms.

So today, let’s celebrate them.

You don’t have to choose a political side to love your country. Politics aside, this country rocks! I love America!

I recently heard Dana Perino (my best friend from Fox News – although she isn’t aware of our close friendship yet 😊) share a story about celebrating America’s Bicentennial in 1976. She said her dad made sure their family understood the history behind the celebration. He read excerpts from books and newspapers so they would appreciate the long journey to independence. And if you happened to find one of those 1776–1976 quarters, you felt like you’d discovered a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!

She went on to say, “Do you think my dad thought Jimmy Carter was a great president? Absolutely not. But he loved this country and separated politics from patriotism.” (Paraphrased.)

I love that perspective. It’s one we could all use a little more of.

As we fire up the grill for hamburgers and hot dogs, pass around the chips, and dig into homemade ice cream, let’s remember that these simple pleasures are enjoyed under freedoms that were purchased through the sacrifice of others.

So stand up.

Raise a flag.

Thank a veteran.

Honor those who have served.

Wear your red, white, and blue proudly.

Because patriotism and politics can be as far apart as the east is from the west.

As grateful as I am for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, I’m even more thankful for the freedom we have in Christ—a freedom no government can ever give or take away.

God bless the USA.