A few weeks ago I was in Selma, AL, to keynote the local NAACP’s annual banquet celebrating the 59th anniversary of the voting rights act. Nearly sixty years on, the voting rights act remains one of the most important pieces of legislation in our history. 

Voting is a sacred responsibility. When Americans head to the polls we are equals among equals. Each of us must vote our conscience this year. But here’s what I told the packed room that night in Selma. Voting alone won’t solve what ails us. 

I wanted to write to you after the attempted assassination of former President Trump. Consider this a personal note directly to you. And know that I have intentionally held off rushing to send you any thoughts to allow things to settle a bit. There’s already too much noise enveloping our politics and lives.

First, like most Americans, I am praying for the former president, his family, and all those affected by this weekend’s events. There is no room for political violence in our nation.

On almost a daily basis people tell me they’re angry about the country’s past and present. Hopeless or despairing about its future.

On this Fourth of July, do we dare celebrate the country? Condemn it? Simply walk away from it?

What interests me as we approach the Fourth is how we can harness the torn feelings many of us have for America—the mix of positive, negative, and complex—toward reclaiming a patriotism that leads us forward rather than divides us.

It can sound trite to say, “I’m so proud to be associated with you.” I’m sure you’ve felt this way at some point, right? 

It’s a statement that can ring hollow. 

But when the moment comes when that feeling is real—really real—when it pierces your soul, when your eyes well up with tears, when your heart is so full you’re convinced it’s going to burst—in that moment, at that time, you experience a kind of transcendence from being truly awake, present, even naked in your genuine sense of connection and joy. Standing before folks in Reading, PA this past week, that’s how I felt. 

“Remember, your mission is to hide from me…. If you’re in the open, you don’t want to look human.” All across our country, people are seeking to hide from others in one way or another. But can we create the communities and society we aspire to if we are in hiding? 

I’ve been thinking a lot about the word “enough” lately. Its use gives rise to both anger and aspiration. Think about it. What have you had enough of? What does it propel you to want?