The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave

 

Friday, July 4, 2014

Flag from  Fort 1812.  US Smithsonian Institute

  Jesus said, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free" (John 8:31-32).

 Hey Gang:  Okay I admit it, when it comes to the Stars and Stripes I am a pure and unadulterated softie.  I was never much of a racing fan until I happened to turn on a Nascar Race and was introduced to their respect for our nation, our flag and our military.  I have never been more proud than when I served my country as an airmen in the United States Air Force. 

 One of the favorite books of the bride-of-my-youth is titled Amazing Grace.  It is 366 inspiring stories from the hearts of sincere believers who have penned their relationship with Father God in ‘Psalms, hymns, prayers and love’.  In our many contacts with people who are struggling with the complexities of this life, we have suggested they carry a music truth with them throughout the day and let God speak to their hearts through the soothing voice of God through music.

 In the book Amazing Grace there is the story of "The Star Spangled Banner and how it came into being.  I am sure all of you know the history of its development but ‘let’s take a moment and review it.  This song came into being during the War of 1812 when its author, Francis Scoot Key, was on the deck of a truce ship nervously pacing back and forth on its deck while the British attacked the harbor of Baltimore.

 He had been sent there as an advocate of peace to plead for the release of a physician, who had been taken captive.  The night was frightful; the bombardment continued.  Then the firing suddenly stopped, just before morning. Key was fearful of the outcome, but as he looked hesitantly across the water, he saw the American flag still triumphantly flying with the assurance of our nation's freedom.

 Although the words, written on the back of an envelope, and music later added, which happened to be an old hunting song, the Star Spangle Banner did not become our National Anthem until an act of Congress officially adopted it on March 3, 1931. 

As I read and reread the words of our National Anthem, a question surfaced in my mind:  In this day, when everything -in our once proud nation- was looked upon by the world as being the "Land of the free and home of the brave, will the flag continue to be seen triumphantly flying with the assurance of our nation's freedom"?   

 Sooo, my young friends, how about you.  When you see the Stars and Stripes or hear the National Anthem, do you stop and bow your head in respect for all who have given their lives to give us the freedoms that we enjoy?  As we celebrate the day our US Constitution was adopted by the Continental Congress and became the law of our land, we need to pray that God will protect it- for surely it is under attack from many sides today.

 Blessings,

Gramps