“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”—1 Corinthians 1:10

In the United States, today is Memorial Day. It may be a day known for gathering with friends and family eating hotdogs and watermelon, however,  I don’t want to forget the true meaning of it. It is day we honor our military men and women who died while serving our country. It’s origins date back to the Civil War. It was a way to honor the soldiers who had died during that war. Now it is for all U.S. Veterans who have sacrificed their lives for Americans.

Being considered patriotic should not have any negative connotations. We must not forget those who served our country and gave their lives for us so that we could live in a free society. Loving where you live and wanted to protect it is a good thing. I grew up to respect the American Flag and to be proud of being an American. Patriotism was taught in our schools. Dictonary.com’s definition of Patriotism is, devoted love, support, and defense of one's country; national loyalty. For most of us living in the United States of America, when we see the American flag, we honor it. I don’t look at the flag and see political affiliation, race or religion. I see a symbol that represents every citizen of our country. We are called the United States not the Divided States.

To be united we have to be respectful of those who have both liberal and conservative views. This is what created our land….people with different perspectives coming together for the good of their country. It was about taking pride in where you live. We can’t rewrite history, however we can learn from our past to not make the same mistakes moving forward.

In a world with such opposing opinions, we need kindness more than ever. I know it isn’t easy to stay kind when it isn’t reciprocated. However, a gentle voice is more likely to diffuse a situation more than anger. We aren’t supposed to be a doormat, but before we respond we should ask ourselves, how would Christ respond in this situation? Is my response going to lead someone further from God?  We can be kind and loving and still speak God’s truth. We are to be one body of Christ despite our different denominations or political preferences.

 As the words say in Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the U.S.A , I am proud to be an American. Today, let us remember our fallen soldiers and not forget our country is one nation under God.

 Father God,

 Thank You for all of the fallen soldiers who gave their life to defend our country. Help me to extend grace to those who defame our flag and where we live.. Rise up a generation to be take pride in singing our national anthem and putting their right hand over their heart when they say the Pledge of Allegiance. You are bigger than the division in our country. I know one day, all believers will be united with Christ. Praise Jesus! It is in Your precious Son, Jesus’, name that I pray these things. Amen.

May Verse

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.”—Psalm 113:3 

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