Patriotism is alive and well in the USA.

Like most of you, I sometimes bemoan many aspects of our modern American culture and have concerns about our future. Our nation is divided by differing perspectives and belief systems. What God calls sin, many now call good.

Yet it seems that most of us are proud to live in the USA and proud to cheer for our country. Have you noticed the almost universal support our American athletes are receiving from Americans of all types during the Olympics? Like many of our fellow citizens, I find myself watching sports I would never watch otherwise simply because an American is competing. I then find myself pulling for them to win and occasionally I get a little emotional when they do.

Monieca and I were watching beach volleyball Sunday evening when we each spontaneously applauded and cheered after a spectacular play by the American women. I’ve watched water polo, field hockey, trampoline (didn’t know that was an Olympic sport), archery, and shooting…stuff I never watch. If you surf the web or listen the talking heads on TV, my unusual behavior is not that unusual during the two weeks of the summer Olympics.

What has struck me though is how common my experience really is this summer. I think it does say that nationalism is strong and Americans, even if we differ on many things, agree on our love for the USA.

Now it’s time to get back to watching beach volleyball…and I still don’t like the Russians.

Pastor Steve Hogg