Changing Worldviews

Sharon Hughes: Hello America. Thank you so much for taking time out of your very busy lives to celebrate America's 250th anniversary with me here on our podcast. Boy, has it been a month, has it been a week leading up to this. So many things going on, not to mention the World Cup.

And I don't know about you, but one of the things that I have so enjoyed is listening to all the clips and the reels of athletes coming here to America for the World Cup from all over the world. Some of the things that they say not only surprise at how big our stores are or how great our food is, but how wonderful they think our people are. They love America.

I think something is happening that the plethora of those that are vocalizing how great America is from their vantage point, having been from Britain or France or Italy or Nigeria or Argentina. I think this is a huge encouragement and reminder to us, the American people, to recognize what a great country this is. Yes, problems. Yes, things we don't agree with. Yes, not perfect. But at least from those that are visiting us compared to their nations, they are telling us how great our nation is.

Today, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America, I've got some of those kinds of clips for you. I've also got a segment of a speech I gave at a rally describing our founding fathers and what they sacrificed to put together this what some have called the great experiment of freedom.

I hope that you're encouraged. I hope that regardless of whatever political views people may have, we can lay those aside and we can come together as one in gratitude for this great nation, this one nation under God. I'm aware that there are those that do not believe that this nation was established as a Christian nation, but the historical record contradicts that rhetoric, beginning with the pilgrims themselves. When they came to this land, they got out of their ships and they took a cross and staked it on the beach and dedicated this nation to Jesus Christ.

Yes, we have a president, Donald Trump. Some love him, some hate him, some are ambivalent, some don't care. But whatever you think about him, as President of the United States, he wanted to rededicate this nation to God.

Donald Trump: We are going to do something that everyone said was tough. We're going to rededicate America as one nation under God.

Prayer changes hearts and transforms lives. It uplifts the soul, inspires action, and unites us all as one nation under God. Our country was founded on prayer. Our communities are sustained by prayer, and our nation will be renewed by hard work, a lot of intelligence, and prayer.

Sharon Hughes: Those are just some of the things that are happening to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. We'll start off with just a few clips by some of our visitors from across the pond, as we say, and what they think about America, such as James Kahn.

James Kahn: Something that still genuinely confuses me about America: it's not the food, it's not the size, it's not the trucks. It's the fact that strangers are so genuinely kind. Anywhere you walk, "Hello, how you doing?" giving you a bit of advice about what trail to go down. "Stay away from that moose. They're really aggressive." I didn't know that.

I thought maybe I was just getting lucky in the other states that we went to or I was just finding little pockets where Americans were friendly. But it's all over, every single state I have been to. Americans go out of their way to say hello and be kind and offer up suggestions. Complete opposite of the UK.

Guest (Male): Seriously, life over here is completely different to what we've experienced before. The people are so friendly and welcoming. The pace of life over here seems like time has slowed down. Everything is chilled out. Since we got here, I feel like our stress levels have gone down.

Guest (Female): Blood pressure's lowered.

Guest (Male): Blood pressure has lowered.

Bruce Borgus: Again, I am here for the World Cup and loving every minute. People are so nice here. American fans welcome me like a father back from a war. They ask me, "Who are you rooting for?" In Russia, the safer question is, "Who are you pretending to root for?" Many of you commented on camping in America and that you do it for fun. This is amazing. In Russia, we have not camped since Stalingrad.

I met a couple the other day at a match and they recommend I stay here at a log cabin in a national forest. My wife reserved on AirBnB or VRBO, I don't know, one of them. But look at this place. It's bigger than Putin's dacha on the Black Sea.

Here I am in a log cabin. When I first arrive in the US, I stay three nights in a hotel. Nobody ever enters the room. Nobody photographs my passport. Nobody asks why a man has six notebooks and a nervous expression. And there is a little sign in the hotel room, "Do Not Disturb." Amazing. In Russia, this is not a request, this is a challenge.

In the hotel, there is tiny shampoo, a tiny bottle of lotion, tiny soap. In Russia, if the government gives you three bottles of anything, one of them is poison. Bože moj, I love this country.

Josh From: The media portrays Americans as rude, lazy, all the above, and it's furthest from the truth. The amount of hospitality and kindness and care and pride Americans hold is truly like no other country I've been to.

Sharon Hughes: Stay with me, and we will have more when we come back.

In 1776, the difference of one vote gave America the English language instead of German. In 1876, the difference of one vote made Rutherford Hayes President of the United States. In 1923, the difference of one vote gave Adolf Hitler leadership of the Nazi party. Get the idea? One vote, yours, makes a huge difference. Vote.

This message is brought to you by National Religious Broadcasters. We always like to have a special offer every month that not only will get valuable information into the hands of our listeners but also to help us cover on-air costs. This month is a book by the late Hilmar von Campe, *Defeating the Totalitarian Lie*.

Hilmar von Campe: The government now in Germany, they're called the Social Democrats. They refuse to have God mentioned in their oaths. Normally when you think of the Nazis and the war, you look to the criminals. But the really responsible people for what happened are the appeasers, the bystanders who don't want to risk anything.

Sharon Hughes: Hilmar's book on the totalitarian state is a "now" book, if I can put it that way. If you would like to get a copy, just go to our website changingworldviews.com. You can click on the store page there and order it, or you can send a check to Changing Worldviews, PO Box 211, Chicago Park, California 95712. Again, PO Box 211, Chicago Park, California 95712. You're listening to Changing Worldviews with Sharon Hughes.

In my estimation, this is one of the best explanations about the Declaration of Independence by our current Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson. See what you think.

Mike Johnson: We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. Wait a minute. It doesn't say just born equal. It says created equal, right? We hold these truths to be self-evident, all men are created equal, they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life. Don't let those words just roll off your tongue too easily. Think about the implications of it.

The founders recognized that we're made in the image of God, and that means that every single person has inestimable dignity and value. It means your value is not related in any way to the color of your skin or what zip code you live in or what your talents are. Your value's inherent because it's given to you by God. Our rights come from the King of Kings, not an earthly king, and then we erase the tyrant and take him out of the equation.

They founded the country on this premise, the first nation in the history of the world to make the bold proclamation that we are responsible to God and not some earthly power. They started a country on that premise and they started it with a basis of Christianity. George Washington, the father of our country, said, "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports."

John Adams, our second president, came next. He said, "Our country is made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other." He's talking about the Constitution. They understood that faith had to be infused in our system or it would fail. Remember, we took the middleman out, the king, and we had a government of, by, and for the people themselves.

In order for that to work and not descend into chaos because we live in a fallen world, you had to have a basic common sense of morality. They knew that the seedbed of morality is in religion. The very foundation of the whole Republic had to be religious principle. It was the indispensable support.

We've strayed away from that at our peril and we have to recognize that's who our country is and what our country is. Now, did they pass a law that said everybody has to be a Baptist or a Catholic or a Presbyterian? No. They wanted a vibrant expression of all faiths. They didn't want an established church like the Church of England because when they melded government and the church as one entity, it led to the abuse of men, fallen men. They said to keep it separate but let faith flourish. We have lost sight of that.

Sharon Hughes: Like I said at the opening of the show, I spoke at a rally celebrating our 4th of July a couple of years ago talking about something that's good to remind us about, and that is the sacrifices that our founding fathers made personally in putting together this great nation.

Some of you may know who Alan Nevins is, the former professor of American history at Columbia University. He said, "How can anyone really understand this Republic without a knowledge of the multitudinous conflicts, exertions, gallantries, and sacrifices that made this country great?" We can't apart from history. If we lose our love and our dedication to know our history and build upon it, we will not be the great nation we have been and are in the future. We've got to pass it on to future generations.

As we celebrate the 4th of July, we are celebrating our liberation from tyranny. Our nation was founded by some great people with character. You probably know that John Hancock, the first one to sign the Declaration of Independence, signed his name especially large because he wanted everyone to know that he really meant what he was doing by signing his name to that Declaration of Independence.

He said, "The price on my head has now just doubled." Benjamin Franklin signed saying, "We must hang together or most assuredly we will hang separately." Of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 17 lost their fortunes, 12 had their homes destroyed, nine fought and died, and five were arrested as traitors. Our nation was founded in difficulty and in crisis, and the fight for freedom means eternal vigilance. We can never be passive. It will not just always be there. We cannot take it for granted.

If you like what you're hearing on today's show, you can get even more information from our website at changingworldviews.com. If you appreciate what Sharon is doing, please help her cover the cost of airtime this month. Our show is solely funded by the donations of friends like you, so your help is especially needed and appreciated at this time. Please send your donation by credit card at changingworldviews.com, and we thank you.

James Robison: Hello, this is James Robison. I'm encouraging all of you to join us in prayer for the upcoming elections. We must not only participate with active participation in the vote but also prayerful participation. Jesus said if you want your house to stand, you must build it on a solid foundation. He said the unshakable rock is hearing and doing what He said, following His word.

In this critical point in human history, we must have godly leaders, those who will abide by His irrefutable, unshakable principles. I'm asking you to join us in prayer that people will vote, vote their convictions based upon principles, and vote for those who will uphold principles, not sell out to political parties or partisan positions. You can sign up for the Pray the Vote Presidential Prayer Team website at www.presidentialprayerteam.org. Become a part of this vitally important effort with me as we pray for the upcoming elections.

Sharon Hughes: Changing Worldviews encourages listeners to get engaged and help turn the tide. It's everyone's civic responsibility.

Let's go ahead and play a few more of those clips of what folks from different countries that came here during the World Cup had to say about America. It's pretty cool.

Guest (Male): Nothing comes close to the USA. The people here across different states living in different parts of America, with different beliefs and different politics, I've always met really kind and generous people here.

Guest (Male): Don't even get me started on Costco. Costco is bigger than my village.

Guest (Male): This is the land of the free, ladies and gentlemen. This is actually truly overwhelming. Everything in the US simply beats anything I've ever experienced anywhere in the world.

Guest (Male): I went somewhere last night. I went to a steakhouse, a steak place. Mamma mia! Medium rare ribeye, attached with wine. I swear I have never tasted steak this good in my entire life. Oh, Lord Jesus. We have barbecue in Africa, we don't have steak. It's black barbecue we are doing over there. What a steak! The place is called Longhorn. Jesus! Let me not even talk about the Mexican restaurant I went to two days ago where they gave me chips and red sauce for free! Before I could order my food, I was already full.

Sharon Hughes: It's so funny to see how much they love our food here in America. Who knew, unless you traveled and you were able to have a personal assessment as regards to how our food here in America compares to other parts of the world. This next clip is by President Trump with more to say about our great nation.

Donald Trump: Never before has any nation celebrated so magnificent a triumph as this one, the one that we are participating in right now. At 250 years, America is the oldest Republic on earth. We are the freest people on earth. We have the most righteous and enduring Constitution on earth. We are the strongest and most powerful country on earth.

By the grace of God, the United States of America is the most successful, most accomplished, most exceptional nation ever to exist in human history. It is great to be your president. It is great.

For a quarter of a millennium, liberty, justice, equality, self-government, and unmatched prosperity have flourished here as they have never flourished anywhere before. There is nothing like what we are doing. The birth and survival of the American nation under God is quite simply the best and most incredible thing ever to happen on this planet by human hands, ever. No other country has done more good for this world than the United States of America.

We give thanks for these extraordinary blessings. We remember that what we have created in this country is not the natural way of the world. It is not the norm. It is the exception. It is rare. It is priceless, and it is truly miraculous.

Sharon Hughes: Well, as you know, there have been many activities and accomplishments, leading up to our 250th anniversary. Not the least of which was the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library opening in North Dakota. Of course, the Great American State Fair showcased pavilions from all 50 states and territories. There was the Salute to America 250 fireworks, the largest display in our history.

Also, America's block parties nationwide, communities gathering together with live music, local festivities, and all kinds of charitable initiatives. Then of course parades and all kinds of festivities as normal on the 4th of July, only even bigger and better.

One of my favorite singers is Danny Gokey and he has posted on social media the following explanation about why he wrote the song "My America," encouraging us to spread the news about this song. We are going to play it for you after this short break. Stay with me. You're going to love it.

This station would never air a word like [beep]. But if I had really said [beep], you'd probably want to call in and make your voice heard. Think about that, making a difference over one little word. If that's the case, what's keeping you from becoming a voice for the preborn? Surely their plight is more important compared to a word. So if you're ready to make your voice heard, visit beavoice.net and get involved. After all, it's not that first beep we're concerned about, it's this one [flatline beep].

Changing Worldviews with Sharon Hughes, the radio show you can trust to learn something new from and count on to report the goodness too. If you have a story about the good things that are happening in our world today, Sharon would love to share it with our audience. Just send it to sharon@changingworldviews.com or to the address we'll give a little later on in the show. Good news, concise news, real news. That's what you get with Changing Worldviews.

To that end, I think the clips that we've played for you that we've pulled off of the internet are of various friends that have come to America for the first time and have fallen in love with our great nation. While we here in America are celebrating our 250th anniversary with gratitude and unity, many of us are framing this as a moment to reflect on our shared heritage. I really appreciate the words that Danny Gokey shares here in his social media post about the song that he wrote as regards to how we can't make our nation better by being critical or negative about it.

I would like to just add that there is no perfect nation. Yes, there are a lot of problems in our nation and a lot of wrongs that need to be made right, but there are also a lot of right things about our nation that we can still celebrate. Just like when we celebrate our loved ones' birthdays. Are they perfect? No, but we love them anyway because they're our family. That's how we should view our nation. We love our nation because it's our nation, and we should also all be engaged on whatever level we can to make it the best that it can be as far as nations go.

I want to close out with Danny Gokey's words and then play his song, "My America." I encourage you to spread it on your social media because the words as well as the music are really good.

Danny Gokey: God told me to write a song for our country. Now, I know this sounds weird, but stick with me here. God sometimes likes to interrupt our plans and I originally was just going to cover patriotic songs that we all know and love. But as I went to go do that, God spoke to me and said, "No, I have a song for you that I want you to write." Honestly, I felt unqualified. I felt like, how could I ever write a song that would have any significance or meaning? But it wasn't about me. It was about Him, about His plan.

People used to be proud to be an American, but that seems like that's something that has been lost. But when I set to write this song out, what I sensed is that God's not done with America. Here's what I've learned: you can't condemn America into a better place, you have to celebrate. There are good things about America. You can't hate it into a better place, you have to love it. You can't despise it, you have to believe in it. I still believe in America. Do you believe in America? I know God's not done. Please share this song. Let's get others to believe in the mission that God has for us. This is my America and I still believe in us.

I hear them say our country's far too gone

Even claim our fathers got it wrong

But I won't give up on us and I'll take a stand

'Cause we can overcome, this is not the end.

I still believe in us, Oh America

You're still the land I love though a little bruised up

Stars and stripes still cry liberty over evil, over tyranny

Blood poured out for our freedom, they sacrificed it all for this nation

I still believe in us, My America.

Our history is full of bravery

Heroes fought for our equality

Now is the time to make peace and forgive our faults

Because united we stand or divided we fall.

I still believe in us, My America

You're still the land I love though a little bruised up

Stars and stripes still cry liberty over evil, over tyranny

Blood poured out for our freedom, sacrificed it all for this nation

I still believe in us.

Oh America, Oh America

God shed His grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea.

Always believe in us, My America

This is the land I love but we gotta heal her

Plainly liberty will always be a sign of hope unto the refugee

The immigrant can find escape from oppression to a better place

I still believe in us, I still believe in us

I still believe in us, My America, America.

Sharon Hughes: Well, that's it, ladies and gentlemen, for our 4th of July 250th anniversary celebration. Thanks so much for joining me, and I hope you will continue to join me as we move forward addressing some of the most crucial issues facing our nation. Until then, this is Sharon Hughes saying it like it is.

Guest (Male): Thank you for tuning into this episode of Changing Worldviews. You can follow Sharon on social media or listen to her on many online platforms. Just go to our website at changingworldviews.com for all the links. Until next time, stay informed, stay alert because we are indeed living in a changing world.