Optimism and Power

May 14, 2008
3 minutes read time
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Ronald Reagan was known for his optimism for America and its people. He ran for his second term on the theme, “Morning in America”. In fact the last words he penned to the American people when he was diagnosed with Altzheimers disease carried a note of optimism. He said, “I know that for America their will always be a bright dawn ahead." We could use a measure of that optimism in America right now. America is going through a period of financial turmoil that is deep and painful for many. More than 75% of Americans believe the economy is in bad shape. Politicians and top economists are nervous and feel it is the worst crisis in the past 60 years. What exactly we are facing is something deeper than statistics. We can slice and dice figures to show the weakness of the economy in relation to other nations. Particularly worrisome are the budget and account deficits. The same figures can be assembled to make a case that things are not as bad as in the past, i.e., the Great Depression, therefore we should not be too alarmed. There is no doubt the American economy, for all its problems, is still the world’s largest and potentially the most resilient. There is reason to be optimistic, except for one thing. We aren’t. Today we have what a Wall Street Journal piece called a “cultural rut of pessimism…draining our collective energy, blinding us to possibilities and eroding our position in the world”. Gone is a long term optimism that has been a part of the country’s foundation and the envy of others. The can-do spirit that tomorrow can be better has begun to fade from the culture. Other nations like India, China and Brazil have taken a page from our play book and hav risen on a tide of prosperity in part because they believe they can do anything. While other nations rise America may not be rising as fast, but if it is declining in confidence and optimism about itself and what can be done, then we are dealing with a systemic problem of the spirit. The cure is more than economic figures. Self-criticism and blaming alone will not lead us to acknowledge the core of the problem. God speaks of a nation having its pride of power broken, (Leviticus 26:19) because of spiritual sin. When a nation blessed by God cannot understand the source of all its blessings there comes a time when God removes His guiding hand. The result is confusion and uncertainty. Are we seeing that time now in our inability to move confidently into the future? The good news is there is a “bright dawn ahead”, not just for America but for the world. It is the true hope of God’s intervention with His kingdom on this earth. There are more troubles to navigate before that day, but is the anchor of a lasting confidence in reality and the wisdom of a power beyond today’s world.
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economics
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Darris McNeely

Darris McNeely is a retired elder in the United Church of God. He and his wife, Debbie,  have served in the ministry for more than 53 years. They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. Darris continues teaching at Ambassador Bible Center and is a member of the Council of Elders. Darris and Debbie continue to travel and keep up with the many friends and relationships around the world.