I love the show “The Big Bang Theory”, and one of the quirkiest ongoing segments was “Fun with Flags”, in which Sheldon (and sometimes a guest) would go on ad nauseum about the glory of flags. Recent years have brought flags into the forefront of our national discussion; whether it is Justice Alito blaming his wife for the disrespectful use of the American flag a la a traitorous insurrectionist (like Adam blaming Eve?) to a school board candidate defending his right to display a Confederate flag, flags mean a lot to us. We cover our hearts or salute them during the singing of the National Anthem; we pledge to them at the beginning of class or public meetings. When I look at the American flag hanging in the front of my house, I pause and say thank you.
Rainbow flags mean that LGBTQ people are safe here. Nazi flags should make us shudder. The American flag should make us proud of this wonderful, yet imperfect nation. When you see a flag, what do you feel? The Confederate Battle flag was created to lead the traitors in the South in rebellion against our country. It is a reminder that many in our nation – and not just those in the Confederacy – were willing to die to keep the enslavement of people in place. White Supremacist flags flew alongside flags representing the Confederacy, Nazis, and the American flag at the insurrection.
Flags are a representation of our values, so I take them seriously. They let me know what kind of person you are and what matters most to you. To me, hanging an American flag upside down is reminiscent of an upside-down cross, a symbol most often connected to Satanism. If you believe in the lofty values of what the American flag represents, you cannot fly a flag that represents evil. You can’t, as Jesus taught, serve two masters; one will always prevail over the other.
Today is Flag Day, which has been celebrated in some form around the country since 1885, although it did not gain federal recognition until 1916. I don’t think the American flag is sacred – as in holy, but I do think it is an important symbol. If you question whether a flag matters, consider how you feel when you see one. Do you feel pride and hope, or do you feel revulsion and fear? I have done too many funerals of veterans and witnessed too many flag ceremonies recognizing the sacrifice of those veterans to put up with disrespect toward our national symbol. The flag we honor defines us. Which flags matter to you?
Prayer – Holy God, only You are sacred, but we are thankful for symbols that represent goodness and hope. Heal those who worship symbols of evil and destruction. Amen.