To many in America, the West coast and the East coast seem to be the only regions that matter. There’s California, New York and Washington, DC. Why bother with flyover America? But as I traveled across America, I realized that it is flyover country that truly makes America great and provides its solid ground of values and patriotism.
When my son accepted a call to Edenton First Baptist Church in Southwestern Ohio, we had to use Google to find it. Edenton doesn’t have any businesses, just a few homes, Stonelick Lake, and my son’s church.
Just weeks before, there was a tearful departure from Copper Canyon Baptist Church, a faith family he had started and nurtured in Copperopolis, CA for fifteen years. He had sold his home in California and bought a new one online in a matter of less than a month.
When they asked us to help drive one of their family cars with them in a caravan to Ohio, we jumped at the chance to spend time with them on this new adventure. We wanted to see his new congregation and the small rural community that would be his new home. We traveled between 500 and 600 miles a day with one stop in Cheyenne, WY to visit family and take a needed day of rest and repair for one of Sean’s cars.
As we traveled Hwy 80 through Elko, NV, Rawlings and Cheyenne, WY and Des Moines, IO, one couldn’t help but experience how big and beautiful America is. From the snow-capped mountains in the distance, the green meadows, the vast prairies, and the miles of open road, the views are inspiring. But this time, we weren’t along just to take in scenic views; we were riding along into God’s plan for our son and his family.
But there were some things you could not help but notice—the kindness and patriotism of the people we met along the way. Thousands of homes and businesses proudly flew their American flags—large and small on tall flag poles, trucks, and homes. The stores attached to every gas stop were selling patriotic signs, books, T-shirts, and memorabilia.
People weren’t focused on the madness coming out of Washington; they went on with living their lives. They were busy working and loving the people and communities they cared about. Not many seemed to have time to be preoccupied with the news on CNN or Fox News. At the same time, many still had their Trump signs up from the 2020 election. Some even had Trump flags flying for 2024. They knew what they stood for, and they weren’t afraid to broadcast it.
What people may describe as a simple life misses the depth of their convictions and the closeness of the people. In Southern California, most homes have fences to protect their privacy—to keep people out. In flyover country, the fences that are there are put up to keep animals in. Many don’t lock their doors. When you visit, you sit in the backyard or on the front porch and talk, not for minutes but for hours.
One of our must see visits in Ohio was to Jungle Jim’s giant food market. My son observed that it was bigger than a CostCo, Trader Joe’s, and Smart & Final’s combined. They carried foods from all over the world with choices you wouldn’t even believe existed. There was a full-sized fire engine in the hot sauce area and a Tuk-Tuk hanging from the ceiling in the Asian food section. Jungle Jim’s started as an outside food market and remains a tribute to practical Midwestern values—If you work hard and serve others, you will grow into a business to be proud of. The work ethic is alive and well in flyover country.
There were churches in every community, no matter how small. Some were old, and some were new. It’s been said that the church is not the building but the people who bring that faith community to life. At Edenton First Baptist Church that was evident as soon as we first walked in. They are a faith family that makes a difference. They bring food to the sick, provide a food pantry for the poor, attend worship services, prayer meetings, and Bible studies weekly. I’m not saying his church is unique; that’s what believers do in flyover country. Churches matter; church is family.
I know such faith communities exist in large metropolitan areas. I value my own church, but there are so many competing activities that crowd churches into the background of our lives in big cities. We go to sporting events, entertainment venues, and a never-ending array of places waiting for us to visit. Somehow, in cities with millions of people, far too many report feeling isolated, cut off from meaningful connection and community. California, Washington, and New York may have the expensive homes, famous attractions to visit, and more job opportunities, but after visiting flyover country for a little over week, I almost feel envious of my son’s new adventure in God’s country. For now, blessings to the patriots who ground us in the middle of this amazing country. May you prosper. May God bless you and keep you. You contribute to the solid grounding that keeps America great.
Terry Paulson is PhD psychologist, author, and professional speaker on Earned Optimism, Making Change Work, Claiming Your American Dream, and Becoming a Conservative Values Voter. Contact him to speak before your group at terry@terrypaulson.com.
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