Over the last 40 days I have traveled across America, performing in stadiums full of enthusiastic, interested, informed, invested and curious Americans, in a capacity I never thought I would get to in this lifetime.
To see people come out in the thousands in every city to listen to the opinions of patriots, journalists, celebrities, political candidates, the maligned and misunderstood, the controversial and charismatic, those who are striving to honor free speech, raise awareness of our current condition, and what we know America has potential to become, has opened my eyes to the state of our country.
It was really special to see those from both sides, all sides, reaching across the aisle to find unity in our differences, and even because of them, regardless of religion, background, race, choice, and socioeconomic status.
I was asked by an audience member the following: “After going around the country, and with all of the disagreements that are apparent, do you feel there is hope for America?”
A resounding ABSOLUTELY is my answer.
What I saw over the past month has given me greater hope for our country, knowing so many care, love our constitution and freedoms, sharing their patriotism and voice, that it reminded me of when my wife and I had to rent a car one way to return home after 9/11 as all flights were grounded.
In September 2001, over the course of a few weeks, we drove from South Carolina to Utah, seeing flags displayed, people stopping to help one another, smiles across this fine country of ours, and it was the greatest spirit of unity in this land I’ve ever seen.
I have seen glimpses of that spirit for 2 decades since, usually only immediately following great tragedies, but have felt it the most over the past 40 days, once again, serendipitously, in the entire month September going coast to coast.
Last week I received a call from a person not of my faith, who has brought many to his particular faith as a great evangelist, since he was confused by some things he had heard about my faith that I absolutely believe, yet he needed clarity.
We had a very hearty discussion. He said he knew I was a level headed person and he was confused as to how I could believe what I do. I appreciated the questions. Who asks that sort of thing and really wants the answer? Well, he did!
I shared my testimony, our doctrine, as he shared his. He disputed some doctrine of my faith, and I defended it, as we went back and forth, there was no contention, it was, what’s that phrase again…?
It was a respectful conversation!
A lively and spirited debate, we ended it agreeing to disagree, knowing we are still friends, still the same beliefs we began with, not having converted each other and never necessarily intending to…but both of our eyes were opened and our hearts enlivened to understand each other just a little bit better. We plan to have further discussions to learn more from one another.
Wow! What a concept!
I have greater respect for him being willing to let me talk, to even listen – I learned many things from his brilliance, and know he was surprised at my level of understanding of what I believe scripturally, since he had only seen me be funny and sing on stage, and didn’t know I’m also a high priest in my faith, generationally devout, not going anywhere in my convictions and promise to mine.
The point is – we communicated respectfully, openly, with curiosity and an open mind, even knowing going in that there would be no change in sides, but rather an effort to understand one another better.
I have said many times, “I make a living as a Speaker, but make a life as a Listener.”
In the last month+ my ears, and thus my eyes, have been opened.
My friends, this is not meant to be a political or religious post, this is a call to remember the Promise of America and what that means to you.
The respectful conversation with my religious friend, and that we can still be friends, is one thing that makes America great.
The fact that I can question my own leaders, their decisions, and vote for change, or keep things as they are, is one thing that makes America great.
The fact I can have friends, love and support them, while they love and support me, yet be completely in disagreement with how we see the world, as we both know without a doubt we are absolutely opposed in our beliefs, and we still love and respect each other, is what makes America great.
The realization that I can even write a post talking about any of this and believe it won’t be banned is what makes America great.
That I can go around making a living making people laugh, think, hope, and do this for 25 years – that makes America great.
To realize people can say whatever they want, truth or not, about whether I’m good at my job, and then publish it in articles in national magazines, such as this one, makes America great.
To spread joy, while being scolded by peers that I am in the wrong for having the opportunity of a lifetime and taking it by the horns, is what makes America great.
The job you have, the life you live, it all comes down to the gift that is what makes America great.
The fact that we have options, opinions, differences, and choices, it all makes America great.
My Dad built a health company, Cardio Miracle, in the past 10 years with validated science that is changing people’s lives and giving them hope to no longer suffer, taking control of their own destiny – how can this happen? Only in America!
That my sons can make a video this silly (click HERE for a laugh) and go viral over the last week (currently 5.7 Million views, 1.1 Million likes, and counting) is astounding – only in America! LOL!
What makes this country so wonderful is when we communicate with respect. share our Signature Moves, keep Promises to one another, listen intently to each other, and raise our light in love and unity.
As you head to the polls in coming days, and I pray you will exercise that most precious right no matter how you choose to vote, please do so for the good you want this country to become as you see fit and best for all of us. What does that look like for you? What is The Promise of America in your opinion?
To me it’s about the freedoms we so enjoy, the ways we come together when in struggle, the rights our Founding Fathers envisioned this land to be as one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all. I believe in that, and I believe in you.
May our Nation be blessed, and may we all Keep The Promise of America.
~ Jason Hewlett
Husband, Father, Writer, Mentor, Hiker
- Speaker Hall of Fame * Award-Winning Entertainer * Mentor
- World’s Only Keynote Speaker utilizing entertainment, musical impressions, and comedy to teach The Promise
- Author of “The Promise To The One”
- President of Cardio Miracle. Go to CardioMiracle.com to take your health back! Use coupon code HEW2024 for 15% OFF your order.
8 Responses
I hope those gigs you had that canceled you because of this tour change their minds. Of all the PDI’s I’ve been to, you’re the Friday keynote speaker I remember.
Your post today is great.
That means a great deal, Lynn. I don’t know if their minds will be changed, but it’s important for me to share these things.
You’re spot on Jason! I can have respectful conversations! God bless America!!
Thank you Leta! It’s awesome that we all can.
Jason, I respect, admire and honor your dedication to America and to speak up about what matters most – especially in the face of so much adversity. You are such a hero in my book. Thank you for raising your voice. Thank you for sharing light and truth and for spreading joy throughout the world!!!
You’re so kind and encouraging my friend. Thank you for being such an inspiration to me.
Well said, Jason. I hope we can all have more respectful conversations and agree or disagree with kindness and lots of listening.
It’s a great dream for all of us to share! Thank you my friend for reading and commenting.