MADE WITH WANDERLOVE

I feel blessed to live in a country where couples can freely hold hands and kiss their partners, whether same sex or not, regardless of religious affiliation, political party, occupation, or differences that would be considered punishable in dictatorships like Iran.

If there is any true brainwashing happening in our country, it lives at the extremes, both far left and far right, amplified by a flood of social media gurus claiming authority, enlightenment, and mystical power. It ultimately falls on us, as individuals, to discern what aligns with our own truth and values rather than outsourcing our thinking.

Let’s also be honest about history. This country was founded by the Founding Fathers, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and George Washington, a group of middle-aged white elitist men whose legacy includes centuries of coercion, broken treaties, and the forced removal of Native Americans. The language of the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and the Trail of Tears make painfully clear that America’s foundation was rooted in colonization.

Yet the migration of millions of Europeans brought new traditions, languages, values, and diversity into a system that was originally built to serve a narrow group. I often laugh at the irony that many who proudly praise Jesus and cheer at performances like Kid Rock’s fake halftime show are the same people who eagerly celebrate their Italian, German, French, or Irish heritage when Saint Patrick’s Day or Oktoberfest rolls around. Where is the consistency in praising Jesus while rejecting the very essence of what he represented, radical love for humanity?

Humans are complex. You can be racist and still have Black friends. What do I mean by that? There is a subtle but very real phenomenon where acts of kindness toward minorities are transactional, performed when there is personal benefit, image enhancement, or social validation attached. These calculated gestures allow someone to say, “See, I’m not racist,” while never confronting the deeper bias beneath the surface. Trump allowing Jennifer Hudson to stay at Trump Tower after her family was tragically murdered is a prime example of how performative generosity can coexist with deeply rooted prejudice. I am FREE to believe what I wish in this man as are you. And I can still be friend’s with you. That is Jesus’ LOVE.

Racism can exist even when diversity is sprinkled into a friend group. That is strategy, not compassion. While there are exceptions, genuine curiosity, growth, and a willingness to learn, more often racism operates tactically, quietly, and comfortably.

Racism is not always loud. It is an energy. A vibration. It shows up in side comments, reactions to halftime show performers, discomfort in diverse spaces, and the way someone carries themselves when they are not the majority.

I will be the first to admit that I am not a fan of Bad Bunny’s music, not because of his heritage, style, or culture, but simply because it is not my personal taste. But after yesterday’s performance, I deeply admire him. His energy, message, authenticity, and love radiated far beyond music. I could not help but think about the children watching, how many felt seen, inspired, and encouraged to live boldly despite racism or demoralization. That realization brought me to tears.

This country may have been founded by white men, but it breathes because of diversity and freedom. We have taken steps backward over the past decade, yes, but we have also moved forward in powerful ways. I love this country, and I love that two things can be true at the same time.

When we remove ego from misunderstanding, we make space for empathy. And when we do that, we can finally focus on the love and shared humanity that exists in all of us.