THE LONG RIDE AUTH DIGNITY

Now gather 'round, folks, and lend an ear—  

This ain’t just a tale, it’s a trail we’ve ridden.  

From the birth of a nation, raw and bold,  

To the dust of today, where truth ain’t hidden.

Back when the ink dried on freedom’s scroll,  

We were a patchwork of hope and grit.  

Thirteen colonies, like greenhorns on the range,  

Ready to stake their claim and commit.

But let’s not polish the saddle too quick—  

Some folks, mostly rich and English-bred,  

Brought chains to the land of liberty,  

While preachin’ freedom overhead.

Slavery took root, a bitter weed,  

Planted deep in Southern soil.  

But it was Americans—yes, true and plain—  

Who rose up to end that toil.

Faster than most, we broke those bonds,  

Paid in blood, in fire, in prayer.  

The Civil War tore through the heartland,  

Like a stampede no rancher could bear.

Now sure, there’s been mistreatment,  

Of tribes, of colors, of creeds.  

History’s got its bruises,  

Like saddle sores and busted leads.

But here’s the truth, plain and clear—  

That ain’t the here and now.  

Today we ride together,  

Different reins, same furrowed plow.

Black, white, brown, red, and more,  

We’ve built this land with calloused hands.  

Hands leathered by sun and sacrifice,  

Grippin’ reins of hope across the lands.

From railroads laid like lariats stretched,  

To revival tents pitched in prairie dust,  

We’ve stood together, made our stands,  

Through storms, through sweat, through sacred trust.

It ain’t perfect, never was,  

But it’s ours to shape and mend.  

Like patchin’ a torn saddle blanket,  

We stitch with grace and ride again.

So don’t get stuck in yesterday’s dust,  

Or let bitterness cloud your view.  

We’re ridin’ forward, side by side,  

Across plains stitched with scars and dew.

This is America—  

Not just a place, but a promise kept.  

Where the broken find restoration,  

And the weary find where they’re met.

**As Isaiah said:**  

_"They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated;  

they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations."_  

—Isaiah 61:4

**And Galatians reminds us:**  

_"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female,  

for you are all one in Christ Jesus."_  

—Galatians 3:28

So tip your hat to the ghost towns and glory trails,  

Where echoes still ride the wind.  

We’re still writin’ this story,  

With truth, with grace, and daily bread.