America at Its Best

Editor's Note

In the midst of uncertainty, kindness and courage remind us that better days lie ahead

We Rise or Fall Together — and We Are Determined to Rise

President George W. Bush

Each day, reminded that the suffering we experience as a nation does not fall evenly, ordinary Americans have committed extraordinary acts of kindness and compassion.

All Around Us, There are Helpers

Mrs. Laura Bush

Countless inspirational stories of Americans helping each other reminds us that everyone can be a hero.

In Dark Times, Americans Rise to the Challenge

Jay Bhatt, D.O.

As the coronavirus spread through the U.S., the medical community mobilized to make the most of every asset, even abandoned hospitals. But collaboration is key at every step, from every sector — as evidenced by these Presidential Leadership Scholars.

A Poetic Record of the Frontlines

As our nation praises medical workers saving lives, we must also remember that providing them a time and place to heal themselves is just as important.

Tackling Hunger and Food Insecurity

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot

Every day, millions of families in America go hungry — and that was before the COVID-19 pandemic caused record levels of unemployment. As an estimated 17 million more Americans become food insecure in the coming months, organizations like Feeding America and its volunteers are even more critical.

American Businesses Meet Crisis with Innovation and Generosity

J.H. Cullum Clark

Private-sector firms big and small are answering today’s COVID-19 crisis with innovation, ingenuity, and generosity. They’re able and eager to play an outsized role for simple — but often overlooked — reasons: They have the know-how and capital to do much of what needs to be done, it’s in their interest to do it, and it’s the right thing to do.

Pivoting to Producing Ventilator Parts — in Record Time

Bill Berrien

Bill Berrien’s company specialized in producing precision machined parts — exactly what is needed to create critical components for ventilators. And as the COVID-19 crisis caused a ventilator shortage and crippled global supply chains, Berrien knew his company could step up and help.

Sometimes, You Just Need the Good News

Robert Neely, Jr.

The media you consume can shape your perceptions of the world. Robert Neely, Jr. founded InspireMore with that premise in mind, aiming to be an oasis focused exclusively on bringing good news, hope, and inspiration.

From Dallas, to Los Angeles, to Zambia: Swinging at Opportunities to Help

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw and his wife Ellen have two homes: their native Dallas and adopted home of Los Angeles. Success in baseball has provided means to help their communities — along with helping children desperately in need in Zambia.

How the Human Spirit Will Prevail: With a Little Faith and Video Calls

William McKenzie

The coronavirus hasn’t prevented worship, though it has forced us to adapt— re-enforcing that notion the human spirit will always prevail.

Swapping Pulpits and Healing the Community

Bryan L. Carter, Dr. Jeff Warren

As communities turn to faith for comfort and guidance, Pastors Carter and Warren discuss the ways churches are trying to help heal — and how they’ve seen people unite to help each other.

Finding Hope and Availability

Bob Goff

Bob Goff has gone to all corners of the globe to spend his favorite currency: kindness. But he explains how acts of kindness can spread hope just as effectively without leaving your own neighborhood.