Pride.

It unifies us.

Pride in our team causes thousands to wrap themselves in orange or crimson and brave the elements to cheer them on.

Pride in our family causes us to share hundreds of pictures of our kids on Facebook from one piano recital.

Pride in our brand of truck, smart phone, or soft drink will cause us to defend them against any who speaks ill of them.

And Pride in our community unites us in a way that causes us to rip off the gloves, throw down the gauntlet, and go to the mattresses in order to defend her against someone who might say something negative about her. 

Pride is a motivator and in many cases it defines us.

But where does Pride come from?

You can't have Pride in something that constantly disappoints you.

You have Pride in a Chevy pickup because you like the way it runs.

You have Pride in your Iphone because it works.

You have Pride in the Thunder because they are a class act and tend to win a lot.

And you have Pride in your kids when someone else recognizes them for a special achievement or action.

This week...Oklahomans have Pride in our state.

We've helped tear through debris to help neighbors and friends.

We've collected supplies.

We've donated money.

We've donated blood.

And we've prayed for healing until our temples hurt.

I'm proud of my state.

But to be honest with you...this Oklahoma Pride has been building for some time now.

I think that Oklahoma Pride started when the survivors of the Trail of Tears finally made it here to their destination.

It further developed when the "winners" in the land runs staked their claim and dared anyone to come try and take their land from them.

Pride became our mantra as our team in blue and orange played for the NBA Championship last year.

We've had one of the fastest growing economies in the nation over the past few years, have had one of the lowest unemployment rates, and have continued to put money into our state's rainy day account.

We stand up for each other in the face of wildfires, evil men with U-Haul trucks, and funnels that fall from the ski.  We are a united community because we have been forged in the fire together.

I have never had more Oklahoma Pride than I do right now. 

Thank you Oklahoma for continuing to impress.

Brent Kisling
Executive Director