Running errands yesterday, my eyes took note of the many places waving the “high flying flag”. That would be the one George M Cohan wrote about.  The one that symbolizes this great free country of ours–the Grand Ole USA.

     Flapping in the mild desert wind, the flag flew high on many posts.  Singing patriotism in front of a gas station. Pointing the way home at the entrance of an apartment complex.  Declaring freedom at a medical facility. Proudly perched by the play yard at a McDonald’s Restaurant.  Announcing safety by the fire station. Gracing the yards of people’s homes. Pointing to the doors of a church.  Peeking from behind trees at a park.  Speaking to the students at a school.  Standing strong against the blue-white cloud dappled sky.

     My heart unfurled in hope and joy, pouring out waves of patriotism and prayer for our nation.  A nation once bedecked in glory, where flags flew from nearly every home, where hearts rang true with the light of Judeo-Christian values,  where every life had a chance to say, “the land I love”, and where trust, peace, and love of neighbor were more than words.

     Today, take some time to pray for the nation that the “grand old flag represents”.  We owe it to God, to our country, to ourselves, and to our children.

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

YOU’RE A GRAND OLD FLAG by George M. Cohan

You’re a grand old flag,
You’re a high flying flag
And forever in peace may you wave.

You’re the emblem of
The land I love,
The home of the free and the brave.

Ev’ry heart beats true
‘neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there’s never a boast or brag.

But should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old flag.

Let’s not forget the principles on which our founding fathers established this country.  What helps you remember the blessings of this great nation?