Delta Dawn When the Light Comes On: Week Twenty-six

“You shall have a banner for those who honor You – a rallying point in the face of attack. Selah! Use Your strong arm to save us and secure Your beloved people”. Psalm 60:4, 5 NLT

Red Skelton, one of America’s best-loved comedians, addressing elementary students, spoke the Pledge of Allegiance this way. Available on YouTube.

I--meaning me, an individual, a committee of one.

Pledge--dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.

Allegiance--my love and my devotion. (Founding Fathers said “my life, my property, and my sacred honor”)

To the Flag--our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there is respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody’s job. (and it is not free.)

Of the United--that means that we have all come together.

States--48 individual communities with consent in dignity and purpose, all set apart with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common cause, and that’s love of country. Love of America.

And to the Republic for which it stands--a republic, a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And it’s from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

One nation--meaning, so blessed by God.

Indivisible--incapable of being divided.

With Liberty--which is freedom and the right of power to live one’s life without threats or fear or any sort of retaliation.

And justice--The principle and quality of dealing fairly with others.

For all.--which means, boys and girls, it’s as much your country as it is mine.”

Red continues in reflection. “Since this time, we have added two states, Alaska and Hawaii, and two words, “under God” to this pledge. God forbid it would be considered a prayer and taken from our schools”.

In reciting this particular rendition at various events over the years, it always moves my spirit to joy, my soul to thanksgiving and my eyes to tears.

“Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad! Let the nations now say ‘The Lord Reigns’! Give thanks for His mercy endures forever.” I Chronicles 16:31, 34 

Next Week: O Glory!