I pondered today about the symbols of freedom, dear to my heart. That lead me to write this poem, as from the eyes of a wondering child. Children have the way of opening our eyes to see truth. As for me I cannot fully understand the depth of my freedom in the United States and the flag which stands symbolic of it; were it not for my faith. Without faith and God’s Grace, I know where I would be–running down some road toward despair, always trying and never finding my way out. Yet, my hope resounds with joy, love, and peace; because in Christ, I have all that I need.
SYMBOLS OF FREEDOM FOR ALL TO VIEW
By Effie Darlene Barba
The Flag
Grammy, Grammy please tell me why
We fly a flag on the fourth of July!
Oh, sweet dear child, the flag you see
Is a symbol of hope; because, we are free
To passionately work with all our might
Transforming our dreams into full sight
It’s more than a symbol of national pride
It reflects all those who fought and who died
Protecting our freedom from tyrants who might
Destroy and steal all that is right
Grammy, then please can you tell me why?
We fly a flag on the fourth of July
And don’t fly a flag every day of the year
Wouldn’t our freedom be something to cheer?
The Cross
Grammy, Grammy why do people say
We worship the cross on Easter day?
Oh, my dear child, the cross you see
Is a symbol that Jesus has set us free!
Jesus died on a cross to pay for my sin
Then on the third day, He rose again
Jesus loved us so much, He paid our price
For all the times in life that we aren’t so nice
He offers to give us a heart that is new
Filled with love, joy and hope for all to view
If only we ask Him into our heart
He promises that He’ll never depart
Walking and talking, right by our side
So, that in His presence we might abide
Grammy, then why do people say
We worship the cross on Easter Day?
Wouldn’t we worship God everyday
Singing Him praise, and bowing to pray?
Grammy, I think; since all this is true
Wouldn’t our faith then change our view?
Wouldn’t we want to help men to see?
That they too by faith, can then be set free?
The flag is a symbol that I can be free
To worship God who helps me to be
The best, the greatest version of me
To be then a light for the world to see
So, to the cross I bow on my knee
By faith I am saved, I am set free
From the chains that would bind
And the lies that would blind
Then, I will stand, saluting the flag
It’s symbol of freedom, from age to age
May God bless and guide our nation today
A symbol of hope, for this I pray.
THOUGHTS ABOUT OUR FREEDOM
Have you stopped to think today about your freedom? All too often we take for granted the freedom that we possess in the borders of the United States of America. Furthermore, in this land, our dreams remain reachable when we choose to reach with all our strength to touch the stars. Yet, there remain some who wish to burn our flag; the very symbol of our freedom, for which many have fought and died to protect the honor of. Some proclaim themselves, antifascist while burning, destroying and creating the anarchy picturesque of a fascist society- not even understanding the truth of their own ideology. Then, we have those who wish for socialism; never realizing that more government control, means less freedom to go after your dreams.
Beyond that, we have those who ask the conservatives to be quiet in the name of “freedom of speech”. Or those who believe that the 1st amendment stands to keep faith and religion far from government; when, the truth stands firm–the first amendment stood to keep government out of religion, NOT to keep religion out of government. But for me, faith remains at the core of my freedom. Because of my faith, I can accept, love and be gracious toward even those who disagree. As I see them through eyes of Grace, I understand the reason for their discontent with life and the world around them, causing them to lash out against the very ones who want to shine light into their world
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
As I listened to Dr. Robert Jeffress last night, I knew he spoke the words of my own heart. Yes, I voted for and stand behind President Donald J. Trump; a man, who like all men does have flaws; but never tries to hide them. He wears his own imperfections with honesty; while, seeking to find God’s wisdom to guide him. Much like us, if we were to be honest. A group of broken vessels; dependent upon God’s Grace. At a time when our land quickly ran faster and faster away from God; God chose to send Donald Trump to be our President. He forces me to look deep within my own heart to remove the boulders there; before, criticizing any of his flaws. God, in His Grace; last fall, allowed me to see beyond the outside and view the heart of this man.
Every morning I send a post-card with a Bible Verse and a Prayer for Donald Trump, it is the least I can do as a humble servant.
I CORINTHIANS 1:
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[tweetthis]May God bless and guide our nation today A symbol of hope, for this I pray[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”God chooses the foolish by mans standards 2 confuse & bring low those who think themselves wise” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”We should each day thank God; because our flag does still stand in the land of the free” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]Because the true price of freedom Jesus paid on the cross; His truth marches on[/tweetthis]
If you don’t know how to accept Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, email me by clicking here or comment here
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
I wrote and published Ultimate Inspiration-God’s Plan of Love answering a lot of the really tough questions regarding faith. I would encourage you to get a copy of it or one of my other books. You can find a link at: Book Resources.
featured Photo by Copyright : John C Panella Jr and used by permission https://www.123rf.com/
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.