Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:

Colossians 2:20

This morning I want to share a brief reflection on my optimistic vision of America, and of what is still possible as we continue to move forward into the constant uncertainty that is – always – the future.

So many people, especially in politics, enjoy painting a dark picture of tomorrow, and they do so purposefully, in order to create a sense of anxiety and fear in the people they would like to manipulate. But the fact remains: we still live in a country built on unprecedented belief, and freedom, and optimism, and faith, and hard work.

The greatest natural resource we have at our disposal is still “We, the people.” Our riches are not buried in the ground, but alive in the women and men (and children) who live here – in their hearts and their dreams and their investment in the possibility that remains America. And this potential is not released when we tunnel and drill and strip-mine and destroy the forests, but via encouragement, and education, and respect for one-another, and access to opportunity, and egalitarian ideals, and investment, and the interchange between divine providence and the faithful response of each one of us to the fact that God intends to partner in our life together.

• This may be a July 4th photograph, but these are Easter morning words.
• These may be my grandchildren, but the promise that is their future belongs to all of us.
• This may be a time of political uncertainty and divisive rhetoric, but we can all believe in hope, and goodness, and promise, and grace.

In love, and because love is always our best way forward – DEREK