It is easy to be patriotic when we celebrate at our big Fourth of July birthday.  But after these parties have ended, we put all the things away and sometimes forget that our symbols we celebrate around are more than just symbols.  They represent so much.  They represent so many.  So many that believe one constant thread can unit and bring together multiple groups of individuals.  I still get chill bumps when I say the pledge of allegiance or when I hear the national anthem, and I see that red, white, and blue flag waving.  I remember all of those that have sacrificed in something greater than themselves.  I remember hurts and heart aches that have kept this flag flying.  As you go about your free life this week—Doing the things you wish to do in your life—Worshiping how you wish—Celebrating life as you wish—When you see this little flag somewhere, stop and realize how really blessed we are to have something more than a flag!

More Than a Flag

It caught my eye in the grass.

The blue and white stripes had faded.

And the stars were not as brilliant.

 

Each star and stripe represented individual states.

Individual states with individual needs.

Connected by their uniform thread to form this unity.

 

The balloons and the streamers were all gone.

The fireworks were all popped out.

The good smelling foods all put away.

 

The people all returned to their normal lives.

The celebrations had all come to an end.

This was months ago.

 

But this little flag made it through all of this.

The strong fabric helped this flag remain in tack.

The colors still standing for freedom.

 

The flag was blown and tossed.

The sleet and rain beat the flag’s fabric.

The sun beamed on its colors.

 

Sometimes we are all like this flag.

We get worn.

We get faded.

 

We get stuck in bad places.

We are blown and tossed.

We are beat upon and left to struggle alone.

 

But our strong souls help us march through the many burdens brought our way.

This appears to be one small American flag.

But it’s actually the souls of millions.

 

The flag is resilient.

Like the American people are resilient.

Resilient because of their freedom thread.

 

This flag is a spirit and a soul of resiliency.

If only others knew this is really more than a flag.

This is a flag of humanity.

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I know if you are like me there has been so much in the media about the candidates and the up coming election, that you will be glad when it has all ended.  I am not happy with either candidate.  I do not feel as though they really represent America, but I cannot get discouraged because America is not about these two people.  The American people are the leaders of this country.  It is about the millions of people getting up in the morning, going to work in order to care for their family, and living the best lives they know how.  It is these people believing that they are a part of something larger than themselves.  So remember it is not these two people that will shape America.  Love America and remember what that flag stands for—–many groups of people seeking refuge for a free life!  Many flags fly under that red, white, and blue!  It is these millions of others that have a deep love of country and spirit that will shape America!  I am proud to be an American!

Love,

Rennae

 

Blessings

 

Seasonal Reflections

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

Seasons for the Soul

seasonsforthesoul.com

Describe a time in your life when you were resilient.

 

 

What did you do to make it through this time?

 

 

Who and how has someone sacrificed for you during your life so that your life circumstances were for the better?

 

 

Describe your American heritage and how your ancestors brought their individuality to America.