Patriotism. Stewarding freedom as Christ-followers. Celebrating citizenship, no matter where we live. In a modern world rife with polarized groups clashing online and in person, it's no wonder that parents are aching for guidance on how to address each of these things from a biblical worldview.
Today's youth often feel that, depending on which social group they are with, they must morph themselves into a particular identity to align with the approved narrative script. One group urging love of country and the other urging shame of country. When patriotic holidays cross the family calendar, young people truly aren't sure how to celebrate — if at all.
Freedom isn't only an idea; freedom is a choice. Christians choose to live free, to walk in the teachings of Jesus in the face of a confused and hostile society, knowing that it is only in Christ that true freedom is found. In that choice, we seek to come alongside those of like mind that we may help one another to be free in Him. Freedom is at the core of the heritage shared by all Christians. Indeed, Jesus' disciples are those who have freely chosen to follow Him wherever He leads. Freedom is also at the very foundation of our American heritage.
"One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Words written over 130 years ago carry a deep meaning. Fun history lesson: the words "under God" were not written into the Pledge of Allegiance until 1954, when President Eisenhower signed a bill passed by Congress. Oftentimes, it can feel like our modern American culture holds no space for God. But with careful observation, He is still at work in this country.
In fact, an unprecedented revival of Christian faith is happening in our nation among adolescents and young adults — the Holy Spirit is on the move in the West! God placed each of us in this time and place for a purpose — we, by no accident, are Christians and Americans. The order is vital; Christians have an inborn framework to bear and extend the image of God first, and the land in which we do this happens to be the United States of America, our second allegiance.
What was once a valued virtue for Americans, that pride now carries myriad disclaimers and nuances — ones that require maturity and wisdom to navigate well. How do we pass this down to our kids — the next generation of Christians, American citizens? What if we reimagined how we show our patriotism, going beyond the firecrackers, barbecues, and matching Americana family t-shirts? What if, together, we could define our patriotism as a way to honor God, multiplying the blessings He gave us as Americans and seeking freedom in Christ for all? Raising Godly Girls is coming alongside parents to raise up a generation who honor their God, family, country, and community — not exclusive from one another, but in a holistic, reverent, and impactful way.
If your children are old enough to recognize the American Flag, they're old enough to begin learning the many layers of our nation's history. Show them the names of the men who signed the founding documents. Tell them the stories of the 13 original colonies. And don't be afraid to share even the tragedies of our nation's story. Like us, a broken people redeemed by a Merciful God, the whole story of our nation is important. Share the wisdom of George Santayana's 1905 book "The Life of Reason" that says, "Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it." This is the burden and the joy of your girl's citizenship, first as a Daughter of the King and as a citizen of this nation.
Likewise, as your child looks around at their government today, men and women who are charged with leading the roughly 330 million citizens of the United States — how do they funnel that view through embattled news headlines, communities ravaged by division and strife, and ways that other countries view their nation? For many, the struggle of reconciling America's missteps produces an inborn tension — can they say, "I'm proud to be an American" anymore? While we work out our battles, it's vital that we maintain unity. And that unity will not come passively; it must be an active choice — both individually and collectively. Together we can say, "I choose to honor you because I trust that it is God who is weaving us back together."
Seek out places, like an American Heritage Girls or Trail Life USA Troop, that your children can learn our nation's foundations from a biblical worldview, where you can link arms with a community of families who wholeheartedly celebrate that we are "one nation under God."
Patti Garibay is the founder and executive director emeritus of American Heritage Girls (AHG), a national Christ-centered leadership and character development program. For over three decades, AHG has been at the forefront of countering the culture by leading girls and women to create lives of integrity. Patti is the author of "Why Curse the Darkness When You Can Light A Candle?," a story of trust and obedience to inspire those who desire to make a Kingdom impact yet struggle with the fear of inadequacy. Patti is the host of the Raising Godly Girls (RGG) podcast and "Raising Godly Girls" one-minute radio feature, which helps to equip, affirm, and strengthen girls with timely Scripture-based advice.