Is It the Nation or the Person We Miss?
Why MAGA May Be More Personal Than Political
What is your perception of time? Especially when it comes to your memories?
I came across a video on Facebook that asked a simple question:
When was America great?
The idea that America was once great but is no longer so is the foundation of President Trump's campaign slogan: "Make America Great Again." As a presidential slogan, it's powerful. But it carries different weight for different people.
I love American history, and I could point to several instances where I felt that America truly shone, as well as periods where it didn't. Military victories, technological innovation, big sports wins, cultural heights, and scientific breakthroughs. All sorts of things across America's historical timeline.
However, glory days for some aren't necessarily glory days for others.
While one person may remember the victories of World War II, others may recall ancestors who have passed away. Some may remember a song that was a big hit or a fantastic trip, while others view that as a time of financial hardship.
This video stated that in a study of people between the ages of 19 and 84, there was one thing in common. The best years of their lives happened before they hit 20. This phenomenon is known as the Reminiscence Bump.
Also known as "The Good Ol' Days!"
It makes sense to me. It's why people can remember the Great Depression fondly even though their families and the nation were struggling.
Some of my peers who graduated with me fondly remember their high school days. I'll admit I had some good moments in high school. Would I say, overall, it was a swell time? Nope.
But that's my experience.
I think many people can agree that their formative years had two things in common that made them 'great': few responsibilities and hope.
We didn't know what our 25-, 35-, or 45-year-old selves would look like. We saw the adult world from the outside. We all wanted to get there soon because we thought it would be better than being a kid.
We had our hopes and dreams, knowing nothing of the obstacles that we would face. We'd figure things out. We'd have a lovely home and car. And we'd have a spouse and two and a half kids—the American Dream.
Was it that the country was better in those times, or was it us?
When you're 8, you don't necessarily care about politics, economics, or social issues unless your parents, your school, or some Saturday morning cartoon says it's essential. Your mind was more malleable at this point, and you hadn't learned too many critical thinking skills.
When you hit your teens, you become more aware of politics and social issues because you're learning to think for yourself more.
By the time you're a young adult, money becomes more important because your parents may not cover as many bills.
The phrase "Make America Great Again" sounds wonderful because it creates a hopeful image of prosperity for all. It reaches into the memories of your life when everything was going well. Even the ones that you may misremember.
However, the road to prosperity is not as smooth. Neither are the stopovers, redirects, cutoffs, dead ends, and all the other obstacles. That's just the reality of life and history.
As a Christian, I believe that it's also a result of living in a fallen, sinful world. I also believe that there will be a time of perfect prosperity, peace, and joy that comes when Jesus returns, and it will never end.
In the meantime, how do we live as though prosperity is a nice spot to drive through on this journey of life rather than just the destination? Not to sound like a negative Ned, but anything could happen that could snatch "prosperity" away from us.
Similar to the weather in the South. You'll have sunshine one moment and then rain the next, followed by blistering heat and then a cool night just right for sleeping.
What do we do with that?
There should be a balance. Hope is human; hope keeps us alive and sane, but pragmatism helps us make good decisions.
We can't see the future, and that's a scary thing because we can't prepare for every single thing that may come. We can't see it.
That's a good reason to fear, but it's also a good reason to hope.
When we were kids, we held on to hope and wonder before we understood what we do now.
The world isn't simple. But hope isn't naïve just because it exists alongside hardship. We can carry both plans and prayers, faith and facts.
Let's stop asking when things were great and start asking how we can be good today with what we have.
After all, the best days may not be behind us.
They may be the ones we choose to build.
That's another way we can live free!
This is a loaded question but here goes: What do your memories say about what you value most today? Let me know in the comments or reply to this email!
It's very difficult for me to make the comparison, as the things that 'made me happy' 25 years ago largely don't appeal to me today. I loved life at twenty, but I'm not sure it consisted of more hope than my life today does. I am much more focused on what is precious now, and therefore spend more of my time pursuing that, versus lost in a sea of possibilities...
It's always nice to read your open-minded perspective on these subjects Jordan. Happy Writing my friend!
"This video stated that in a study of people between the ages of 19 and 84, there was one thing in common. The best years of their lives happened before they hit 20."
This is not the case for me at all, and I'm 35 years old. The closer I walk with Jesus, the better my life becomes. The best day of my life is today, and tomorrow will be even better!