I keep seeing posts about standing/kneeling for the flag. I have really been awakened this year to several things. I am so incredibly proud to live in this beautiful country; land of the free, home of the brave. I love my beautiful America and the freedoms we have. More than my love for this country and our flag, though, is my love for Jesus. I do not ever want to confuse my love for the two. Because my nationality is certainly "American citizen," but ultimately, my citizenship belongs in God's Kingdom. So it is more important to reflect my citizenship in His Kingdom than my citizenship, here.
Regarding standing for the National Anthem as our flag proudly waves, I agree, and having had so many family members who served and currently serve in the military, as well as countless friends, I am so incredibly proud to stand. But this year, I have really had a change of heart and perspective. While I will stand for our national anthem, I absolutely have a better understanding for some feeling a call to kneel. What I once saw as a grand disrespect, I now see as a peaceful demonstration and a desperate plea/cry for help and change. And if I were in a setting where one of my fellow black brothers or sisters needed me to hold their hands and kneel OR stand with them in solidarity, I most assuredly would. Because I have to question, "Will they (anyone other than me) see Jesus in me when I try to show love, or will they see Jesus in me when I angrily glare at them for their different opinion?" Also, "Will they see Jesus in me as I try to understand their perspective, and listen, or will they see Jesus in me if I lecture them on why I think they are wrong?"
Sadly, I never once tried to put myself in their shoes to understand why, until this year. I can only pray we continue to have these discussions and uncomfortable dialogues to bring change and healing to our communities. I think as we all have learned to truly listen more to the sounds of the heartache and pain others are experiencing and feeling; it breaks down barriers and helps us flip the lens of our perspective and see life through their eyes. All I know is when I stand before Jesus, I want Him to say, "What you did for them, you did for Me." (Matthew 25:40). Because I fear all too often, I have not done nearly enough to show His love to people. And I would want someone to do it for me.
I just pray for us all to be open to listening to opposing views and flip the lens of our perspective. There is certainly room for everyone in God's Kingdom, so we should absolutely make room for everyone, here, and engage in thoughtful dialogues, not hate-filled speech.
I surely do love my beautiful America and the flag that represents it ... but I love my beautiful Jesus and the God He represents and eternity in His Kingdom, even more. My sister-in-law took this gorgeous photo Christmas Eve. As I see our flag waving in the corner, I'm even more drawn to the glimpse of Heaven I see in the sunset. What an awesome image for us to behold ... when Jesus comes back, and Heaven and earth meet.
God is making all things new.
