Is our American flag just a flag? No! Far more than that, it stands as a symbol of freedom from tyranny, uniting us and giving us hope. Remember 9/11? After the dust settled, how did you feel when you saw the flag rising above the rubble?
The radical Left is trying to destroy the symbolic power of our flag and remove it from the public square. And they want to rob us of our national anthem, historic story, heroes and statues, moral code, motto, and much more.
Some weeks ago it was the John Wayne statue in an airport—because he was a racist and homophobe. Now it is the Betsy Ross Flag with its thirteen 5-pointed stars arranged in a circle, representing the unity of the Thirteen Colonies. Poor Betsy, how would she feel if she saw our sacred symbol under siege?
MEANING OF THE AMERICAN FLAG
The American flag first became significant during the American Revolution when it was raised at General George Washington’s headquarters. Throughout our history the flag was used to mark forts and naval ships. In battle, a standard bearer carried the flag on behalf of soldiers.
Americans revere everything Old Glory stands for—life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, a government by the people and for the people. Our flag is worn proudly by men and women in military uniform, and also by first responders.
“Our flag has become a symbol above politics. It is the symbol of that which unites us” says John Hartvigsen, president of the Vexillological Association (study of flags). “It’s the flag that brings us together.”
Certainly since the Civil War, Americans have looked to the flag to remind us that we are one nation despite our differences, despite our hardships. In our darkest times and in our greatest triumphs, the flag has evoked our emotions, filling us with courage, hope, and love.
THE POWER OF SYMBOLS
Christian philosopher Paul Tillich says: “Nothing speaks to us more profoundly than our symbols. Man’s ultimate concern must be expressed symbolically, because symbolic language alone is able to express the ultimate.” (Dynamics of Faith)
A symbol is a thing that represents or stands for something different. Most often it is a material object that represents an abstract concept. The Statue of Liberty might represent freedom; a dove, the Holy Spirit; or a red rose, love.
A symbol differs from a sign, which refers to a signal or notice, or warning like a red stop sign. But a symbol points to another reality, something that is unseen and invisible. Not only this, but it also participates in the reality to which it is pointing —this what makes a symbol so powerful.
Charged with emotional energy, the symbol is capable of delivering a profound idea, transforming our psychic energy, or galvanizing great sources of energy within a group of people.
Personal symbols
Our lives are filled with personal symbols—wedding rings, baby shoes, family heirlooms, photo albums, personal mementoes and keepsakes. These special objects are important to us because they arouse an emotional response residing deep within us.
Years ago, the Lord said to me, “You are like a treasure chest, packed full of treasure.” This symbolic picture empowered me to do many things in the years ahead. Today, a miniature treasure chest sits on my shelf.
Cultural symbols
The fundamental values of our country are expressed in symbols—the bald Eagle, Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, our motto, “In God We Trust”, our national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner, and the American Flag.
These cultural symbols enable us to transcend difficult situations, bring together shattered fragments of our society, and unify our diverse group of people.
According to Tillich, “The flag participates in the power and dignity of the nation for which it stands. Therefore, it cannot be replaced except after an historic catastrophe that changes the reality of the nation which it symbolizes. An attack on the flag is felt as an attack on the majesty of the group in which it is acknowledged. Such an attack is considered blasphemy.”
WAVE YOUR FLAG HIGH—DON’T HIDE IN FEAR
What can you do in response to the current disrespect for the flag? Why not simply lift up Old Glory in whatever way you can—put one in your yard, attach it to your car, wear it as jewelry or on your clothing, drape it on your fence, or hang it on your house or porch. Be creative.
Let everyone know you are standing up for our flag, because it symbolizes the God-given principles upon which our republic was founded: dedication to life, freedom of choice, and the individual pursuit of happiness.
In his parable of the house built on sand or rock, Jesus tells us the importance of acting on his words:
Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. And the rain descended and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall … (Matthew 7:24-25).
What is Jesus nudging you to do?