TS Wright
Part 1
In Part 1 of this two-part Kingdom Crossroads conversation, T.S. Wright welcomes historian and author Jane Hampton Cook for a powerful discussion celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Jane shares her journey from Texas to working in the White House, her calling as a writer, and her passion for bringing American history to life.
The conversation centers on Jane’s book, A Great and Grateful Nation: From Grievance to Gratitude, an illustrated keepsake book for America’s 250th. Jane explains how gratitude was not merely a private virtue among the Founders but a national habit that helped shape the American Revolution and the nation’s early identity.
T.S. and Jane also explore the influence of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Abigail Adams, and John Quincy Adams, highlighting their roles in free speech, the Declaration of Independence, abolition, representative government, and the spiritual foundations of liberty. The episode closes with reflections on divine intervention, the survival of the Revolution, and the miraculous moments surrounding America’s founding.
Part 2
In this powerful Part 2 conversation, TS Wright welcomes back historian and author Jane Hampton Cook to continue the discussion on America’s founding, the Revolutionary War, divine providence, George Washington, and the meaning of July 4th.
Jane shares remarkable stories from George Washington’s life, including the early battlefield miracle where bullets tore through his coat and horses were shot from under him, yet he survived unharmed. She explains how Washington and many of the founding generation understood these moments not as luck, but as the interpositions of Providence.
The conversation also explores key Revolutionary War moments, including the storm that helped protect Boston, the crossing of the Delaware, the victory at Trenton, Valley Forge, the French alliance, and the final major victory at Yorktown. Jane connects these historical events to the founders’ belief that God was active in the birth of the nation.
TS and Jane also discuss the importance of teaching children American history through stories, virtue, and love of country. Jane introduces her patriotic children’s books, including My American Flag and Why the Fourth of July?, explaining how they help young readers understand the flag, freedom, the Declaration of Independence, and America’s founding principles.
The episode closes with a timely reflection on America’s 250th anniversary and why the Declaration of Independence continues to shape liberty, equality, faith, patriotism, and civic responsibility today.