Strength in Our Unity: Reflecting on 250 Years of the Great Experiment

As we celebrate 250 years as a country, I’ve been thinking a lot about how the name United States of America was chosen. Specifically, the first half of the moniker: “United States.”

Upon researching, I found out that this was never meant to be the name of the newly emancipated country. Rather, it represented the idea that each state—then colony—would be independent, yet united. Our founders understood that the needs of those in New York would be vastly different than the needs of those in Georgia.

In 250 years, we’ve had our fair share of disagreements. Yet, we somehow find a way to remain the United States. Each one distinguished from the next. Each region fitted together by common ground and sometimes common threats. This great experiment that should have lasted only a few decades has reached two and a half centuries of existence. If we are to survive another 250 years, we have to figure out how to do it together.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Liberty. — 2 Corinthians 3:17

As a minister of the Gospel, I wholeheartedly believe in the connection of Unity and Freedom. But where does the Spirit dwell? On the day of Pentecost, it was only after “they were all on one accord” that the Holy Spirit came into the room. It produced a boldness and a freedom that none of them had ever experienced before.

I attest that it is through our unity that we will make a stronger nation—one where Liberty is not just an idea, but an experience. Where we not only pursue happiness, but achieve it. A nation where we are free and empowered to chase our own individual destinies through the strength of our unity.