The message of “Make America Great Again” – also known as “MAGA” – may sound noble and desirable to some, but to others, the term is met with contempt, if not outright hostility.

I’d like to humbly suggest that in a divided nation like ours, we should shift our attention to a new definition of  “MAGA” – one that unifies rather than divides. After all, the responsibility of lifting this nation up ultimately rests on “We the People,” and not just a handful of politicians and policymakers.

In that spirit, I invite you to consider for a moment a short list of alternative “MAGA” themes that could possibly bring hope and change to the current state of things:

Make America GRACIOUS Again

If you’re like me, you’ve grown tired of the meanness, even cruelty, of political campaigns and policymaking. Candidates, elected officials and many of their supporters (including media pundits) have become better at throwing verbal bombs at members of the opposite party than expressing their perspectives in a civil and respectful manner. We’ve lost our manners, exchanging polite discourse for petty name calling. Families and friendships have been destroyed because people have forgotten how to disagree without being disagreeable. We need a revival of grace.

Make America GENTLE Again

In his 1989 inaugural address, George H.W. Bush said, “America is never wholly herself unless she is engaged in high moral principles. We as a people have such a purpose today. It is to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the world.” Gentleness has the power to disarm a hostile person or calm a troubled nation.

Make America GRATEFUL Again

Aldous Huxley observed that “Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.” It’s so easy to forget about the blessings of living in America, and resort instead to becoming an entitled spoiled brat. Shakespeare offers this warning: “Ingratitude is monstrous; and for the multitude to be ingrateful were to make a monster of the multitude.” Good things come to those with a thankful attitude.

Make America GENEROUS Again

It is fair to say that no one nation in human history has been as generous to its citizens and to the citizens of numerous other countries, as the United States of America. But governments are limited in how much they can give. Governments aren’t supposed to be Santa Claus handing out free stuff to anyone who asks. Individuals need to learn once again that they also have a responsibility to care for their fellow man. We’ve become too self-absorbed and selfish, fixated on getting instead of giving. It’s time to rediscover the truth that “it is more blessed to give than receive.”

Make America GENUINE Again

One of the curses of social media is that it has made phonies of its users. We pretend to be someone we are not. We care so much about what people think about us that we will tell them anything to get the response we want, even at risk of being untruthful. We need to be more authentic and feel secure enough to just be ourselves. It’s time to get real and stop being fake.

Make America GOOD Again

After visiting many of America’s churches during the 19^th century, French historian Alexis de Tocqueville said, “Liberty cannot be established without morality, nor morality without faith.” Our democracy and our freedoms are inextricably linked to our spiritual health. As someone once said, “America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”

America will never be great unless and until its citizens demonstrate the same positive qualities that made us the envy of the world in the first place.

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