Those Who Raise The Flag

Gratitude Year 9-Day 185: Today, I am grateful for those who raise the flag. 

If you have followed daily gratitude very long, you know I do not do political discussions here. If you feel the flag is political, please pass on this post. The flag covered my sister's casket, so it may mean something different to our family than it does to yours. For me, the flag is a constant reminder that freedom isn't free. 

This image is a family picture shared by Randy's cousin. It is of his Uncle Jim Morgan raising the USA flag. 

Uncle Jim joined Randy's brother, Monte, in heaven this past week. They were the best of buds in life. Both loved Jesus fiercely. They are reunited and in a blink of an eye for them, we will join them, too. But for now, we are feeling a little sad and sentimental. Soon, we will gather to remember Uncle Jim's life, the way he loved his family, His Lord, his friends and his country. What a gift it is to have this picture on this fourth of July, with his recent passing. (Thanks for sharing Monique.)

Someone once said, "If you don't stand for something, you won't stand for anything." In my opinion, social media has not been our friend with regards to this matter. It is so easy to puke (probably the best word, although graphic) something out on FaceBook without fully thinking it through. Comments can get heated and ugly. Face to face, a real life human skill is how to agree to disagree and truly let it be. 

That said, the flag has always been a reminder that this country stands for something. It is not perfect, but it represents freedom. The red stripes for the blood shed, for courage, for the hardiness and resilience of the people and to remember the sacrifices of those before us, so we might know freedom from a ruling crown. We do not serve a crown but are a republic. The blue stands for vigilance, perseverance and justice. The white for pure intentions and high ideals.  

In 1986, President Ronald Reagan gave his own interpretation:  "The colors of our flag signify the qualities of the human spirit we Americans cherish. Red for courage and readiness to sacrifice; white for pure intentions and high ideals; and blue for vigilance and justice."

Freedom of speech, the right to bear arms and freedom to worship God by guaranteeing "a separation of church and state" are things the founding fathers (and mothers) were committed to with a passion. The world of 1776 was one of Lords and Ladies, servants, slaves and indentured servants. This new country was rough, rugged and resilient. You had to work hard just to survive. The flag declares that we are a land who stands for something.

In hard times, we see the best in people and the worst. It is good practice to look for the best. We never know the trials another might be facing at this very moment. I need this reminder often. 

As countries go, our history is not that long. One of the things I really respect about European culture is their respect for things that have lasted through the centuries. They care for old buildings. We tend to tear them down here in the USA, because it is cheaper to tear down and rebuild. Our mindset is that we have plenty of resources and opportunities. The same strengths that helped us find freedom as a new country, can lead to feeling we don't need God. Or we want to ignore Him until we are in trouble. He longs for a real relationship that grows and remains strong through good and hard times. 

" say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Return to Me,” declares the Lord of hosts, “that I may return to you,” says the Lord of hosts." -Zechariah 1:3

Do we raise the white flag of surrender to our God, saying "Not my will, but thine be done?" It is where real change begins.

Today, I am grateful for those who raise the flag.