When the chips are down, you can count on Americans

In Proverbs of the Old Testament, it says, "Pride goeth before destruction."

Still, no matter where I go in the U.S. or anywhere else in the world, I continue to carry a goodly amount of pride in America.

The newspapers are full of news of the refugee crisis in Europe. More than 3 million people are fleeing the war-torn cities of Syria. Sanctuary is their goal, but what about food, water, the necessities of life? Who is on the scene with aid where it is needed? Whether it is a refugee crisis, an earthquake in Haiti or a volcano in Peru, it is the people of the United States of America who arrive on site, "the firstest with the mostest," as my father used to say. In almost every crisis, four out of five aid workers, medical doctors, fire and rescue personnel on the ground working with the people are from the U.S.

We have our flaws as a country, for sure. Even now we have a homeless population of several million people, and a full quarter of our children are not covered by health insurance. One would think a country founded on the nobility of sacrifice and the blessings of the almighty could do better. But, just when we begin to get frustrated with ourselves about our own shortcomings, here comes another international tragedy and there goes an invasion of Americans who suddenly appear with picks and shovels, white coats and stethoscopes, hot food and encouragement.

Let's review. Who created the United Nations that still makes its home in New York City? Note the UN's UNICEF organization and The World Bank, which share benevolent services and money with countries around the globe. Who rebuilt all of Europe and Asia following the great wars? Who leads the world in providing humanitarian aid after earthquakes and hurricanes? Who created benevolences such as Hospice, Red Cross, United Way and Community Crisis Centers, all funded by local donations? Whose people give such great amounts in charitable donations to the worthwhile causes of the less fortunate? Who indeed? The people of the United States of America, that's who. The country built on the great ideal. The country that continues to fall short of its promise, but is head and shoulders above every other that ever existed in taking care of the needs of hurting people around the globe.

Watch the news reports. Wherever there is a crisis, there we go again, doing all we can to help against unbelievable odds. Sense the desire to help and the frustration of the failures, but feel the pride in country and a people who, once again, reach into their pockets and into their hearts to help those in greatest need. Can you feel it?