A cinematic oil painting of a 1776 Independence Day parade in a colonial village. Continental soldiers in blue and red march down a dusty road, led by a large Betsy Ross flag. Civilians on both sides cheer and wave flags, with women and children in period clothing celebrating. The warm tones and painterly texture give the scene a nostalgic, historic feel.

Today, we celebrate the 249th birthday of the United States — my home country and my birth nation. Nearly two and a half centuries have passed since our founding, and in that time, we’ve experienced triumphs and trials, unity and division, progress and setbacks.

Some might say we’re not in a good place right now. And yes, it’s true — we are in a turbulent chapter. But I take comfort in history. Nations go through cycles. England, France, and the rest of Europe have weathered centuries of political and social upheaval. They have survived monarchies, revolutions, world wars, and more — and they endure. So will we.

Europe was home to many of history’s greatest empires: the Greeks, the Romans, and the vast British Empire — the largest the world has ever known. In modern times, however, the American nation was instrumental in bringing an end to both World Wars. That matters. We have never been perfect, but we have often stood firm in moments when history demanded courage, sacrifice, and leadership.

Still, our own democracy is not immune to decay. As a Christian, I believe this world is temporary and that we are called to live with both faith and responsibility. Jesus told us to “render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” That means engaging with the political world around us, even when it feels broken.

We are more politically divided than we have been in decades, but division is not the end. It is part of the cycle — one we have seen before. Perhaps now is the time to finally confront the flaws in our representative democracy, flaws that both major parties have exploited for years. If we do not face them, we risk drifting toward an oligarchy that could look far too much like modern-day Russia. But if we act, reform, and renew, there is still time to strengthen what we have.

Let's end on an upbeat note:

Happy Birthday, America.

We chose freedom over kings and democracy over dictatorship. We have faced down empires before and prevailed. Here’s to many more years ahead, and to a hopeful, united celebration for our 250th year.