History- love it- dont leave it

The Importance of Our History: From National to Personal

History is the foundation of who we are. It shapes our identities, our culture, and the legacy we leave for future generations. As an individual, a Texan, and an American, I believe that understanding and appreciating our past—both the triumphs and the struggles—allows us to grow, unite, and build a better future.

Our National Story: Strength Through Differences

America’s history is not without conflict, but it is our ability to embrace differences and overcome challenges that has made us the strongest nation in the world. Our Founding Fathers exemplified this in the relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. These two men stood on opposite sides of the political spectrum, fiercely debating the direction of our young nation. Yet, despite their disagreements, they maintained a deep friendship and mutual respect. They survived the Revolution together, fought for the implementation of the Constitution, and dedicated their lives to securing the rights of the common man. Their love for America bound them together, a lesson we can all take to heart today.

America’s greatness does not stem from uniformity but from unity. Our differences make us unique, and our shared battles—both literal and ideological—have forged us into a resilient people. We cherish our constitutional rights because they are the bedrock of our freedom, allowing us to speak, worship, protect our families, and pursue our dreams without fear. These values define us, and they must be preserved for future generations.

Texas: A Culture Unto Its Own

If America is unique, then Texas is legendary. We Texans live with a pride that is deeply rooted in our history. Our past is complex, vibrant, and sometimes bloody, but through it all, we have maintained an unbreakable spirit. Texas is more than just a place; it’s a way of life. We are known for exercising our rights, fiercely protecting our land, and standing up for what we believe in.

Texans embody the American Dream with a western flare. We wear our cowboy hats with pride, smoke the best brisket in the country, and take strong fiscal stances to ensure freedom and prosperity for future generations. We believe in serving our communities, helping our neighbors, and standing firm in our convictions. The legends of Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, and Sam Rayburn live on in us, guiding our dedication to freedom, leadership, and service. More recently, men like Chris Kyle have reminded us of the sacrifice and courage that define the Texas spirit.

But Texas isn’t just shaped by its men—it thrives because of its strong women. Emily West, famously known as the Yellow Rose of Texas, played a pivotal role in Texas' independence. Sally Ride broke barriers in space exploration. Kendra Scott built a business empire with hard work and perseverance. And Simone Biles has proven that excellence knows no bounds. For my daughters, inspiration is all around them. It is my responsibility as their mother to encourage them to see these great Texans—not just as historical figures, but as role models for their own dreams and ambitions.

Tomorrow marks the anniversary of the fall of the Alamo, a day that holds immense significance for all Texans. If we could reach through the waves of time, we would plant ourselves on those walls beside those great men, and we would win. From the horror of the battle and the stories that have passed through the ages to inspire Texans today, we know what it means to "draw a line in the sand"—we thank Col. Travis for that. We know what it means to fight to the end—we thank Davy Crockett for

that. And though he was not there, we thank Sam Houston for showing us all that it's okay to take the fight to the enemy and win.

Local Pride: Tyler, The Rose Capital

Closer to home, my community is rich with history and culture. Tyler, Texas, is known as the Rose Capital of the United States, a title we wear with pride. While red roses may be universally beloved, the official rose of Texas is the Yellow Rose—a symbol of love and friendship. This symbolism runs deep in our local culture. Even the Bible tells us, "There is no greater love than this, than he who would lay down his life for his friends." In Tyler, we live by this mantra. We take pride in our strong sense of community, looking out for one another and lifting each other up in times of need. The beauty of our roses mirrors the beauty of our town’s spirit, where tradition, faith, and friendship go hand in hand.

Personal Legacy: Shaping the Next Generation

Beyond national and state history, our personal stories are just as important. Our family’s history, values, and experiences create the foundation upon which our children build their futures. Every lesson I teach my daughters, every tradition we uphold, every struggle we overcome—these all contribute to the legacy they will carry forward.

I recently had the honor of visiting the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame in Waco, Texas. My purpose was not simply curiosity but to find my great uncle. Jim Oscar M. Ray was my grandfather's brother. He served in the armed forces at D-Day in World War II, then continued his life of service as a Texas Ranger. After his retirement, he dedicated another 15 years to teaching, shaping young minds just as he had protected his country and state. Knowing that I share his blood is both a privilege and a responsibility.

His brother, my Grandpa Ray, was a man of extraordinary resilience. Stricken with polio at the age of two, he was left with physical limitations, but he never let them define him. He worked tirelessly, raising cattle and turkeys on a 350-acre ranch. He raised my father, loved my grandmother, and embodied the spirit of perseverance—the "give it your all even if it kills you" attitude that defines so many Texans.

As mothers, it is our responsibility to educate our children about our history. Yes, there are dark, sad, and painful moments, but that should never be a reason to neglect celebrating the good, noble, and just legacy that encompasses us all. We are not perfect—we are flawed, damaged, and broken—but we press on, striving to succeed, never giving up. The Bible says, "A righteous man falls six times and gets up seven." So let me encourage you: when educating your children, do so in a way that edifies our nation, our state, and our family history. Inspire them, encourage them, and press them to be better than the generations before. Let them know that if those who came before us were still here, they would be cheering our children on from the tallest of mountains.

As an Ag Mom, my mission is to ensure my children know where they come from, appreciate the sacrifices made for them, and understand their own role in shaping the future. Because history isn’t just about the past—it’s about how we carry it forward.