Happy Birthday America! Today I celebrate with an extra helping at the BBQ (its the American way)... probably several attempts at getting a really cool sparkler photo... and saying a silent prayer while people run around me holding the roman candles in their hands (Neighbor lost some fingers when I was a little girl... maybe a blog post for another day)...
Today’s world of color post is White (even though there's more of any other color in this photo other than white). I know I heard the stories while in school - but I admit - I had to look up the meaning of the white stripes (any correlation to the band?) on the American Flag.
Courage.
That’s what the color stands for. Courage to fight. Courage to stand up for what you believe in. Courage to hold your ground when the forces say otherwise. Courage to want to make a little home for yourself. One that you can call your own. Courage because you don’t have any other choice.
Regardless of how that word actually translates into the history of America - it certainly translates into my own life. What do I lack the courage to do?
I was talking with someone the other day and he was telling me about a conversation he was having with the 18 year old they recently took into their home. They were talking about forgiveness... He could have just let it be that he talk about this subject without bringing up the Gospel however he seamlessly entered it into conversation...
“I made it clear to him” he said. "We don’t get to choose to be forgiven - I understand you don’t think you deserve to be forgiven, but because I was forgiven without deserving it - so are you...” It was a testament to weaving God into every conversation. Not trying to... but having the courage to love God so much that he comes pouring out of your mouth in every conversation... like you can’t even help it. Like you didn’t have a choice.
What I love about all patriotic Holidays is that the 15 - 20 Barber Shops and the 15 - 20 Teriyaki shops are dwarfed by the 40+ American Flags hoisted up and down Union Avenue.
Another caveat: I’ll be out of town most of this Holiday Weekend - so, if you comment on my blog. #1: THANK YOU! I heart comments, and #2: I like to return the favor but might not be able to get back to it for a few days!
Great words of wisdom - especially about forgiveness. Love your flag shot.
ReplyDeletelove it! We saw Green Lantern last night and I've been thinking about courage too-in overcoming fear and fighting against it, in spite of it. I even blogged about the power of fear. Ha! Great minds think alike =) Can't wait to see you in a couple months!
ReplyDeleteYou've captured a quintessential slice of Independence Day in America..Happy Fourth!
ReplyDeleteI could use a good dose of courage.
ReplyDeletebeautiful shot of the flag! it matches the beautiful words and sentiments!!
ReplyDeleteHow awesome that He talks openly about God! Just imagine if every single Christian did that!! That's a world I'd be happy to live in!
ReplyDeleteOne thing amongst many that I admire in Americans is that they are proud to display the flag and more than that they think about what the flag means to them and their fellow citizens. Your flag, beautifully captured, represents so much more than bits of fabric.
ReplyDelete