“See for yourself” is a call to verify claims directly. Combine that with critical thinking — asking who, what, and how — to make sure you’re judging truth based on evidence, not just emotion or repetition.

As America opened her doors to the fans and teams of the World Cup, reports flavored with surprise began to unfold. Our visitors discovered that America and her people weren’t anything like the negative portrayals global media had led them to believe. After all, repeated exposure to false claims can make them seem more believable.

But what happens when we are cut off from that negative influence? What happens when we place our feet upon the soil of reality? Ahh, the outcome is a very different narrative. So instead of hearsay and second hand information defining their opinions of America, our visitors formed their opinions of America through their own eyes. Some international fans openly admitted they were “wrong about Americans.”

And right in the middle of the World Cup games, America celebrated her 250th birthday. That sparked and energized a resurgence of patriotic celebrations. And maybe for the first time for many of our visitors and maybe for some Americans they began to see America AS the Beautiful. And with the steady influx of praise from our new friends, America was reminded of her strengths. The godly principles of our Constitution.

I believe that America is going through a time of transition. Prior to the World Cup and our 250th birthday, we have been seeing a return to the principles on which our beloved country was founded. I notice it most clearly as many of our leaders are increasing in their boldness to proclaim their faith in God. Thus, inspiring many Americans to follow their lead.

So I have no doubt that the timing of the World Cup games and our 250th birthday, was Providential. For too long, we have been fed a steady diet of what is wrong with America. It’s wears on her citizens and discourages us. God knew we needed our spirits to be renewed. And He provided.