The Standard July 11, 2026
In a refreshing and perhaps unexpected twist, hundreds of thousands of international guests who have come to the U.S. to watch men play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been enjoying all kinds of uniquely American experiences. Fans are taking to TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to share their reactions to everyday realities like the myriad of choices in our sprawling grocery stores and big box retailers like Walmart and Costco, large portion sizes in restaurants, free water, and self-service ice and drink dispensers. Buc-ee’s, Waffle House, Chick-fil-a, Taco Bell and ranch dressing quickly have become fan favorites. While experiencing daily life in the U.S., many have been surprised by friendly customer service, safe neighborhoods, and helpful Americans.
Scottish fans overtook Boston with their kilts, bagpipes, and singing. Norway’s energetic and catchy Viking row has become a viral phenomenon. Many in the U.S. have gone out of their way in cities like New York, Atlanta, Dallas, Seattle, and Philadelphia to extend hospitality to these international visitors.
The wave of good cheer and neighborliness seen across our newspapers and TV screens has provided a happy, energetic backdrop for the 250th celebration of the Declaration of Independence’s signing. As Thomas Jefferson wrote, “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Our founding fathers had a strong sense that God had a special purpose in creating humans with fundamental freedoms. This Judeo-Christian understanding comes from the first book of the Old Testament.
“Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:26-27
This Imago Dei, humans being uniquely created to reflect God’s image, is true for every single person. We each have inherent dignity and value. The fallen nature that we each reflect means that every society and culture from the beginning has been tainted by human failings like greed and pride.
The United States has grown and continues to grow in the commitment to freedom for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all people. We are working on it still.
The Apostle Paul wrote a lot about the bondage of the law as opposed to the free gift of grace through faith. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve on another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Galatians 5:1a, 13-14
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