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Who is a patriot? What does it take to be a patriot?
The definition of a ‘Patriot’ according to Marriam-Webster, is someone who loves and supports their country.
Helpful, but a bit vague. Broad definitions help create an overarching umbrella under which many ideas can reside. However, such definitions also create a dilemma where individuals are prone to exaggerated interpretations.
Let us dissect the two words: Love and support. Perhaps when in doubt, we ought to defer to the greatest beings who walked this planet: Jesus, Mohammad, Buddha, Krishna…
I imagine that these benevolent souls would highlight the following four principles in defining the core idea of ‘love and support’:
- Principal #1: Action: Loving and Supporting is not a passive act; they require a consistent and active effort.
- Principal #2: Humility: Loving and Supporting requires an individual to be reflective and humble to nurture personal growth.
- Principal #3: Empathy: Loving and Supporting requires that the ‘server’ extends themselves and places himself in the shoes of others.
- Principal #4: Expectation: Loving and Supporting are not limited; achieving a specific outcome is a commitment to the process.
With this clarity, let us refine the definition of what it means to be a patriot.
A patriot is an individual who seeks to create a better nation. He is taking actions with a deep sense of empathy towards fellow citizens. She attempts to continually evolve as a person and be of greater service to her community and her country. They pursue this path not just to achieve a specific goal, rather as a way of a deep personal and consistent self-expression.
Expressing local patriotism:
This month, as we celebrate the 244th birthday of The United States of America, patriots from communities in south-central Missouri are drafting a credo. This credo is to better serve their communities to the greatest they want to achieve:
The GRO Credo: - ____________ is my home, and I will do what is in my power to make it better.
- I will commit time each week to help make my home better.
- I will hold myself and my colleagues accountable to our commitments.
- I will be purposeful and measured with my words.
- I come with respect and humility. I recognize that we must work together to build a better home.
- I know that people are suffering in my home. I will take this opportunity to seek them and alleviate their pain.
- I commit to a process of learning and personal evolution.
- I will lead by example. I will let my actions do the talking.
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