Thursday; June 14


          When we look at our nation’s flag, what do we see?  Over the last few years, the most common answer might be controversy.  In too many places our flag has come to represent battle grounds of rights, disparity and injustice.  The banner that was designed to unite a nation is viewed by some as a symbol of division.  While this might be what society sees in the stars and stripes, when I look at it, I see something different.  I see a call to become a nation of freedom and equality – a blending of all types of people and opinions into something that can become truly special.  Yet, for us to reach the potential represented by Old Glory, we have to be willing to work together.
          As I got to thinking about this on Flag Day, I was drawn to a spiritual song that says “His banner over us love”.  I did a little research and found that this phrase comes from Song of Solomon 2:4, “He has brought me to his banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.”.   In this wonderful love story we are told that one person felt enveloped by the love of another.  The actions and the praises demonstrated by a lover were the symbol of their love. 
          When we look around us and see the blessings we have, do we think about the love of God?  When we hear the waves of the ocean break on the beach, see the brilliance of a mountain, hear the song of the meadowlark or bask in the glow of the setting sun, do we feel the love of God?  God demonstrates how much He cares about us in so many ways – but the natural gifts are one way He reminds us of His love.
          Do we feel loved by God?  If not, let’s take another look around us and see the symbols of just how much He cares about us.
          Think About It!

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