Forged in Fire

As an individual with great interest in United States (and World) history, I am more than familiar with the many trying times this nation has seen in decades and generations past. Since its onset on July 4th, 1776, the U.S.  has seen its fair share of turmoil and hectic activity. 

This isn’t a “hot-take”, is it?

It’s true. It’s been several hundred years of chaos and order alike. Somehow, in a rather harmonious fashion, we’ve traversed it all to now stand where we do in the year 2024, in the most technologically advanced civilization the world has ever known.

Pretty incredible, right?

I’d have to agree.

That said, the stance I take in this very moment is that of equal parts optimism and concern. To explain such a thought process in a short and succinct fashion may be difficult, but the following is my attempt to do so.

The aforementioned optimism is a result of the immediate sphere of influence I am blessed to have in my life right now. The close group of friends that I’ve talked about recently. The group of young men that continue to show up to a weekly bible study, in direct pursuit of seeking the good this life has to offer. The beautiful family that my wife and I continue to build. And perhaps most importantly, my faith alone, and the goodness that it highlights in the world around me.

All of this brews up this notion that, as I wrote about weeks ago, there is hope after all.

On the other side of the aisle stands the level of concern I currently carry with me. 

Concern, that is, for the long-term. For the future that my children and grandchildren might inherit. Regardless of where we might find ourselves in the journey of life, this is a quite noble thing to consider.

For this very reason, with a family of my own to take into account, I’ve taken on a new level of investment in current events related to the United States’ foreign relations, economic well-being, security measures and policy decisions. 

With this newfound stake in the game, my worldview has adjusted accordingly, and so too has my opinions regarding the state of our nation and the best course of action moving forward. 

After all, in the broad scope of it all, even considering all that has come before us, we do live in wild times. Levels of division not seen or experienced in many decades. Economic instability that is palpable, to put things lightly. The prospect of a nuclear war right on the horizon before our very eyes, and homeland insecurity that is too brazen to deny. All of which culminates into a level of unease that should cause any human invested in the future of this country and its citizens to take a look at what might be in our best interest from this point on. 

Now, with these statements out of the way, my call to action is follows:

Regardless of your political affiliation or worldview, our civic duty is to make our voice heard by voting for what we see as the best option available to lead this nation in the years to come. 

For the beautiful, powerful and sovereign nation that is the United States, I must take the time to exercise this right. 

As a lover of this country, and its founding principles, I urge you to do the same. 

In the name of those who came before us, to build what is now. On the other side of it all, what do we hope to see in the days, months and years ahead of us? 

Not just for what is in the best interest in our own lifetime, but in the lifetime of those who will outlive us. Our beloved children, and those that they may bring into this world.

How would you like their story to play out? What kind of life do you hope that they live?

According to these things, do what you know to be right and just. 

Vote.

Forge on.

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