Recently there have been a lot of athletes who refuse to stand when our National Anthem is played before sporting events. Their “stand” against racism, appears to disrespect our flag and the men and women who serve in the armed forces. That same military of individuals, who have placed their personal lives on hold, put their lives on the line, so that we can live in a free country.
More importantly, they appear to not acknowledge that God has tremendously blessed our nation. God’s blessings give us the freedom to kneel, or raise up a fist in defiance, during the times our National Anthem is played. When I stand during the National Anthem, my thoughts are not only on those that died to make our country free, but also on God who ultimately is the one who sets us free. I believe that denying God his due homage by not acknowledging His blessings, has consequences.
As many of you will probably agree, our education system is somewhat lacking. As a result, I’m sure that most who refuse to stand when the National Anthem is played, do not know the history of our National Anthem and what it represents. They kneel because it is the latest thing to make them stand out, get attention and/or make a statement about something unrelated to the National Anthem. Most of them are probably just following the crowd, without really thinking about the message they are sending to children all over the country who watch sporting events.
I’m also sure that most of our children were never taught about our National Anthem; its history and significance. We need to teach our children about it, and explain why our nation has been so blessed by God. It is not because American’s are better than other nationalities. It is not that we are more worthy than others, or that God loves us more. God has chosen to bless for His reasons and for His purposes. I believe it is mainly because our founding fathers based our nation’s laws on God’s laws. But though time we are walking away from Him and denying Him. This most assuredly could be our downfall.
Please check out the below video which gives an overview of Francis Scott Key’s story. It lead to the creation of our National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner”. During the night of September 13th, 1814, and the British Navy bombed Fort McHenry for 25 continuous hours in the Baltimore Harbor, but the Americans would not allow their flag to fall….
Please educate your children by having them watch this. Then explain why we stand, take off our hats and put our hand on our heart, during the playing of The Star Spangled Banner. Make sure their generation knows why we honor the flag, and our God.
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